Declaration of Edgar S. Romero as National Artist

The President acts by virtue of powers vested by the Constitution and existing laws.
The proclamation invokes the framework for the National Artist title under Proclamation No. 1001 dated April 27, 1972.
It is issued pursuant to Proclamation No. 1001, as amended by Proclamation No. 1144 dated May 15, 1973.
It is also issued pursuant to Proclamation No. 1001, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 208 dated June 7, 1973.
It cites Section 20, Chapter 7, Title I, Book III of Executive Order No. 292 (the Administrative Code of 1987).

The proclamation recognizes that the Constitution provides for State patronage of arts and letters.
The National Artist category is identified as an instrument for government recognition of preeminent artistic achievement.
The proclamation affirms that recognizing preeminent achievements supports the policy of preserving and developing Filipino culture and promoting a national identity.
The proclamation declares that the achievements of the honoree reflect preeminent excellence and contribute to the artistic heritage of the Philippines and the world.

The proclamation declares Edgar Sinco Romero (a.k.a. Eddie Romero) as National Artist for 2003.
The proclamation identifies his field as Film and Broadcast Arts.
The proclamation states that his works and achievements enhance Filipino cultural heritage.
The proclamation links his contributions to Filipino national genius and global artistic heritage.

The President acts upon the recommendation of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
The President also acts upon the recommendation of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
The proclamation states that the declaration is made “upon the recommendation” of those two bodies.

The declaration takes effect upon the President’s issuance of the proclamation, dated May 26, 2003, and signed in the City of Manila.
The proclamation is executed with the presidential signature and the seal of the Republic of the Philippines.
The proclamation bears the attestation of the Executive Secretary, Alberto G. Rómulo.