Duterte recognizes 7 new National Artists to confer with ONA

President Rodrigo Duterte awards seven Filipinos the National Artist award in accordance to the Order of National Artists (ONA) recommended by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CPP) last Wednesday, October 24. (ANNE SEVILLA of PBS-RTVM/Presidential Photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte awarded seven Filipinos the National Artist award in accordance to the Order of National Artist (ONA) recommended by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CPP). This award is given to Filipinos who have contributed to the Philippine arts in a significant way. The ceremony happened last Wednesday, October 24.

The awardees, who vary in specialization, include Visual Artist Lauro “Larry” Alcala, Musician/Composer Raymundo “Ryan” Cayabyab, Director of film Eric de Guia, Theater Actress Amelia Lapena Bonifacio, Architect Francisco “Bobby” Manosa, historian Resil Mojares, and writer Ramon Muzones.

In his speech, Duterte addressed the artists, “I urge our awardees to never hesitate to pass down their knowledge and skills to the younger generation because it is only by educating and training the youth that the legacy and work of our artists can live on.” He also told them that their “outstanding work does not only inspire self-determination but likewise instills patriotism and brings prestige to our beloved country.”

Among the other winners included painter Araceli Limcaco Dans, who was given the Presidential Medal of Merit, Philippine Heritage Award locations Rizal Park Hotel, Municipality of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Municipality of Magalang, Pampanga, and City of Angeles, Pampanga. Other winners were the three women who received the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan award (the National Living Treasures Award) textile weaver Ambalang Ausalin, B’laan mat weaver Estelita Bantilan, and B’laan ikat weaver Yabing Masalon-Dulo.

The Chief Official expressed his satisfaction in the awardees’ performances promoting the preservation of culture and Filipino heritage, referring to “art as a witness to the storied history of [the] nation” and “spearheading initiatives to safeguard, preserve, and protect our cultural sites.” He ended his speech telling the audience, “As we celebrate Filipino excellence in all forms, may your creativity and artistry continue to inspire our people to become positive in building a more progressive and vibrant Philippines.”