Administration and Governance of the Order
- The Order is jointly administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
- This joint administration is pursuant to Proclamation No. 1144 (1973) and Republic Act No. 7356 (creating the NCCA).
- Executive Order No. 236 (2003), as amended by EO No. 435 (2005), mandates that the NCCA and CCP advise the President on the conferment of the Order.
Criteria and Recognition of National Artists
- Recognition is given to individuals who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the development and promotion of Philippine arts and culture.
- The Order honors achievements across various fields including dance, fashion design, film, television, literature, opera, and theater.
Notable 2022 Awardees and Their Contributions
- Agnes D. Locsin: Recognized for pioneering works in dance, particularly promoting the neo-ethnic style.
- Salvacion Lim-Higgins (posthumous): Innovated the national costume into a world-class fashion silhouette, inspiring Filipino designers.
- Marilou Diaz-Abaya (posthumous): Award-winning film and television director/screenwriter noted for works reflecting social conflicts and human experience, contributing to the 'Second Golden Age of Cinema'.
- Ricardo Lee: Prolific screenwriter, journalist, playwright, and fictionist credited with iconic films of the Second Golden Age of Cinema.
- Nora Cabaltera Villamayor: Acclaimed actress whose works depicted everyday realities and the aspirations of ordinary Filipinos.
- Gemino H. Abad: Literary figure known for historical anthologies that provide a comprehensive view of Philippine poetry and fiction.
- Fides Cuyugan-Asensio: Contributed to the renaissance of classical musical theater in the Philippines through opera.
- Antonio Mabesa: Renowned as a director, actor, and teacher, significantly contributing to the growth and diversity of Philippine theater.
Presidential Declaration and Conferment
- The President, exercising the powers vested by the Constitution and laws, officially declares the aforementioned individuals as National Artists.
- The declaration is made upon the joint recommendation of the NCCA and CCP.
- The awardees are entitled to the privileges and emoluments attached to the Order.
Formalization and Effectivity
- The proclamation bears the signature of the President and the Executive Secretary.
- It is dated June 10, 2022, with effect in the City of Manila.
This proclamation underscores the State's continuing commitment to honoring and promoting Filipino cultural heritage through the recognition of exemplary artists who have significantly shaped Philippine arts in various disciplines.