Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 1067)
The legal basis is the Constitution of the Philippines which provides for State patronage of arts and letters.
The category of National Artist was created under Proclamation No. 1001 dated April 27, 1972.
The President of the Republic of the Philippines has the authority to declare a person as National Artist, upon recommendation by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
Proclamation No. 1067, dated May 23, 2006, declared Benedicto R. Cabrera as National Artist for 2006.
Benedicto R. Cabrera was recognized in the field of Visual Arts (Painting).
Proclamation No. 1001, as amended by Proclamation No. 1144 dated May 15, 1973, Presidential Decree No. 208 dated June 7, 1973, and Section 20, Chapter 7, Title I, Book III of Executive Order No. 292, known as the 'Administrative Code of 1987' are cited.
Recognizing preeminent achievements in arts is significant as it enhances Filipino cultural heritage and supports the government’s policy of preserving and developing Filipino culture and a national identity.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts recommended Benedicto R. Cabrera.
She invoked the powers vested by the Constitution and existing laws, including various proclamations and the Administrative Code of 1987.
The proclamation implies that National Artists contribute to the artistic heritage of the Philippines and the world, reflecting national genius and excellence.