President Marcos Jr. names 10 new National Artists in largest batch in PH history

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 10, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Ten Filipinos from across the arts have been named National Artists, forming the largest single batch of recipients of the country’s highest recognition for Filipino artists.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. conferred the honor through Proclamation No. 1414, recognizing artists in literature, visual arts, architecture, dance, design, film and broadcast arts, theater and music.

The new National Artists are:

• Nicanor Tiongson — Literature

• Gregorio Brillantes — Literature

• Imelda Cajipe Endaya — Visual Arts

• Nunelucio Alvarado — Visual Arts

• Gabriel Formoso — Architecture

• Rafael “Nonoy” Froilan — Dance

• Maria Beatriz “Patis” Tesoro — Design

• Armando “Bing” Lao — Film and Broadcast Arts

• Teodoro Hilado — Theater

• Alfredo S. Buenaventura — Music

Among the awardees are some of the country’s leading figures in their respective fields, including playwright and scholar Tiongson, designer Tesoro, dancer and choreographer Froilan, composer Buenaventura, visual artists Cajipe Endaya and Alvarado, and filmmaker and screenwriter Lao.

Four of the honors were given posthumously to Brillantes, Formoso, Lao and Hilado.

Cajipe Endaya’s inclusion also marks a milestone for Philippine art, making her the first woman to be named National Artist for Visual Arts.

The 10-member group is the biggest batch of National Artists proclaimed at one time, surpassing the nine artists recognized in 1997. The latest additions bring the roster of National Artists from 81 to 91.

The previous batch was proclaimed in 2022.

The Order of National Artists is the Philippines’ highest national recognition for individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of the country’s arts and culture.

The honor is jointly administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which oversee the selection process before recommendations are submitted for presidential proclamation.

Details of the formal conferment ceremony for the latest batch have yet to be announced.