The Philippine President named ten new National Artists. He signed Proclamation No. 1414 on Sept. 1, 2026.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines jointly recommended the honorees. The selection adds ten icons to the roster. The total number of National Artists now reaches 91.
The new National Artists excel in architecture, dance, design, film, literature, music, theater, and visual arts. Four honorees receive the recognition posthumously.
Gabriel “Gabby” Formoso earns the title posthumously for architecture. He lived from 1915 to 1996. Formoso led postwar Philippine architecture and tropical modernism. His climate-responsive designs used deep overhangs, recessed windows, and natural ventilation. Modern simplicity marked his work.
He designed the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Main Complex and the Asian Institute of Management. His firm, GF and Partners Architects, professionalized the field. He mentored generations of Filipino architects.
Rafael “Nonoy” Catalino Froilan receives the title for dance. He worked as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and actor. He helped establish dance as a viable career for Filipino men. His efforts shaped new generations of dancers.
Froilan served as principal male dancer for Ballet Philippines for two decades. He performed over a hundred leading roles. He starred in works by National Artist Alice Reyes. He also taught at the Philippine High School for the Arts.
Maria Beatriz “Patis” Fabella Pamintuan Tesoro earns the award for design and allied arts. She devoted over 50 years to Filipiniana. Tesoro elevated traditional garments like the terno and barong Tagalog. She utilized piña, jusi, abaca, cotton, and traditional embroidery.
Tesoro collaborated with local weavers, embroiderers, and farmers. She promoted indigenous materials and sustainable practices. Her work showcased Philippine textiles globally and supported artisan communities.
Armando “Bing” Lao receives the posthumous honor for film and broadcast arts. He lived from 1948 to 2024. Lao worked as a screenwriter, director, and mentor. He developed contemporary Philippine cinema.
His works include Kinatay, Serbis, and Kubrador. He created the “Found Story” approach to filmmaking. This method prioritized research, immersion, and real locations. His workshops guided independent filmmakers.
Gregorio C. Brillantes and Nicanor G. Tiongson earn the title for literature. Brillantes receives the award posthumously. He lived from 1932 to 2025. Born in Camiling, Tarlac, he wrote celebrated English fiction. His famous works include “The Distance to Andromeda” and “Faith, Love, Time and Dr. Lazaro”. He also worked as a veteran editor and journalist.
Tiongson excels as a playwright, scholar, critic, and administrator. He championed traditional drama forms like the komedya, sinakulo, and sarsuwela. His famous plays include Pilipinas Circa 1907 and Mabining Mandirigma. He also led the creation of the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art.
Alfredo S. Buenaventura earns the award for music. He works as a composer, conductor, and educator. He wrote over one thousand musical works. He merged Western classical forms with Philippine legends and folk melodies. His opera Maria Makiling won the Republic Cultural Heritage Award in 1964. His Kayumanggi Symphony won the same award in 1972.
Teodoro L. Hilado receives the honor posthumously for theater. He lived from 1938 to 2015. Known as the “Father of Theater Lighting in the Philippines,” he turned lighting into a storytelling art. He served as technical director of the Folk Arts Theater. He won the first Gawad CCP for Excellence in Lighting Design in 1997.
Imelda Cajipe-Endaya and Nunelucio M. Alvarado earn the title for visual arts. Cajipe-Endaya is the first woman declared National Artist for Visual Arts. Her feminist art explores history, identity, and social issues. She co-founded the feminist artist group KASIBULAN.
Alvarado works as a social realist artist in Negros. His paintings depict sugarland workers, struggle, and hope. He co-founded Black Artists in Asia. He won top honors at the Philippine Art Awards in 1997 and 1999.
The Order of National Artist is the highest state recognition for Filipino culture creators. Proclamation No. 1001 established the order on April 27, 1972. Executive Order No. 236 elevated it to a cultural order in 2003.
Selection follows a three-level review process ending in secret ballot voting. Living honorees receive rank, medallions, cash awards, medical benefits, and state funerals upon death. Legal heirs receive posthumous awards.