Declaration of 2022 National Artists

The proclamation implements Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, which provides for the State’s patronage of the arts and letters.
Proclamation No. 1001 (s. 1972) establishes the Order of National Artists to give recognition and prestige to Filipinos who have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions to Philippine arts and letters.
Proclamation No. 1144 (s. 1973) provides for the joint administration of the Order of National Artists by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
Republic Act No. 7356 is identified as the law creating the NCCA.
Executive Order (EO) No. 236 (s. 2003), as amended by EO No. 435 (s. 2005), directs the NCCA and the CCP to advise the President on the conferment of the Order of National Artists.

The Order of National Artists is described as the highest national recognition conferred upon Filipinos who have made distinct contributions to the development and promotion of Philippine arts and culture.
The proclamation confers “privileges and emoluments attached thereto” upon each declared National Artist.

The proclamation declares Agnes D. Locsin as a National Artist for 2022.
The proclamation declares Salvacion Lim-Higgins (posthumous) as a National Artist for 2022.
The proclamation declares Marilou Diaz-Abaya (posthumous) as a National Artist for 2022.
The proclamation declares Ricardo aRickya Lee as a National Artist for 2022.
The proclamation declares Nora Cabatera Villamayor as a National Artist for 2022.
The proclamation declares Gemino H. Abad as a National Artist for 2022.
The proclamation declares Fides Cuyugan-Asensio as a National Artist for 2022.
The proclamation declares Antonio aTonya Mabesa as a National Artist for 2022.

The proclamation is issued by the President of the Philippines, RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE.
The President issues the declaration “upon the joint recommendation” of the NCCA and the CCP.
The President’s action is stated to be taken “By virtue of the powers vested” by the Constitution and existing laws.
The proclamation is signed by RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE.
The proclamation is countersigned by SALVADOR C. MEDIALDEA, Executive Secretary.

Agnes D. Locsin is recognized for contributions in dance that spurred interest in neo-ethnic style among young artists.
Salvacion Lim-Higgins (posthumous) is recognized for transforming the national costume into a world-class silhouette that inspired generations of Filipino designers.
Marilou Diaz-Abaya (posthumous) is recognized for works as a film and television director and screenwriter that probe human experiences drawn from social conflicts among characters with contradictory beliefs and values systems, including formation of part of the “Second Golden Age of Cinema.”
Ricardo aRickya Lee is recognized for iconic films that formed part of the “Second Golden Age of Cinema,” including work as a prolific screenwriter for film and television and as a journalist, playwright, and prize-winning fictionist.
Nora Cabaltera Villamayor is recognized for depicting everyday realities and aspirations of the common man in important Filipino films through film and broadcast arts.
Gemino H. Abad is recognized for historical anthologies that provide future generations with a comprehensive view of the landscape of Philippine poetry and fiction.
Fides Cuyugan-Asensio is recognized for opera contributions that greatly supported a Renaissance of classical musical theater in the country.
Antonio aTonya Mabesa is recognized for work as a director, actor, and teacher that contributed to the growth and diversity of Philippine theater.

The proclamation states that the President affixed the Republic’s seal.
The execution line places the signing “Done in the City of Manila” on June 10, 2022.
The proclamation ends with the signature block for the President and countersignature by the Executive Secretary.