Established under Proclamation No. 1001, s. 1972.
Highest national recognition for significant contributions to Philippine arts.
Administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
Award granted by the president of the Philippines every three years based on recommendations from NCCA and CCP.
To recognize Filipino artists who have significantly contributed to the cultural heritage of the country.
To promote Filipino artistic accomplishments at the highest level and support creative expression in developing national cultural identity.
To honor artists dedicated to their work and paving new directions for future generations.
Eligibility:
Living artists who are natural-born Filipino citizens or those who died post-1972 but were citizens at their time of death.
Filipino artists with dual citizenship status for at least five years are also eligible.
Criteria:
Impact on Filipino nationhood through their works.
Pioneering contributions in creative expression or style.
Creation of a substantial body of works or display of consistent excellence.
Broad acceptance through national/international recognition and critical acclaim.
Respect from peers.
Rank and title of National Artist proclaimed by the president.
Gold-plated medallion and citation minted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
Financial support:
Living awardees: Cash award of at least P200,000; Posthumous awardees: Cash award of at least P150,000, payable to legal heirs.
Monthly stipend of at least P30,000 effective January 1, 2013.
Life insurance for insurable awardees.
State funeral benefit up to P500,000.
Place of honor in state functions and national ceremonies.
National Capital Region
Pablo S. Antonio (1976): Pioneer of modern architecture in the Philippines, emphasizing function and natural light. Major works include Far Eastern University buildings and Ideal Theater.
Juan F. Nakpil (1973): Known as the “Dean of Filipino Architects,” his works reflect Philippine traditions including Rizal Theater and Philippine Village Hotel.
Ildefonso P. Santos (2006): Renowned as the “Father of Philippine Landscape Architecture” with works like Tagaytay Highland Resort.
Central Luzon
Jose Maria V. Zaragoza (2014): Associated with modern ecclesiastical architecture. Major works include Sto. Domingo Church and Metropolitan Cathedral of Cebu.
Negros Island
Leandro V. Locsin (1990): Explored architectural harmony blending oriental and occidental themes. Notable works include the CCP Complex.
National Capital Region
Fernando Amorsolo (1972): First National Artist; known for backlighting technique. Major works include Maiden in a Stream and Planting Rice.
Cesar Legaspi (1990): Pioneer of Neo-Realism, refined cubism in the Philippine context. Notable works include Gadgets and Avenging Figure.
Hernando Ocampo (1991): Self-taught artist, known for vibrant landscapes and significant contributions to the Philippine Art Gallery.
Arturo Luz (1997): Established the Luz Gallery, known for paintings like Bagong Taon and murals at CCP.
Jose T. Joya (2003): Pioneer of abstract expressionism, known for his use of rice paper in collages.
Benedicto Cabrera (2006): Noted as one of the best-selling painters, famous for his emblematic Sabel.
Federico Aguilar Alcuaz (2009): Known for gestural paintings and classical training in Madrid.
Francisco Coching (2014): Known as the “King of Komiks,” significant in the golden age of Filipino comics.
Ilocos Region
Victorio Edades (1976): “Father of Modern Philippine Painting,” focusing on dark themes.
Central Luzon
Guillermo Tolentino (1973): “Father of Philippine Arts,” known for Bonifacio Monument and UP Oblation.
Cordillera Administrative Region
Ramon Valera: Notable for contributions to the Philippine terno.
National Capital Region
Jose Garcia Villa (1973): Renowned poet known for innovations in poetry form.
Nick Joaquin (1976): Distinguished writer, known for eluding classical and baroque English styles.
Francisco Arcellana (1990): Pioneer in lyrical prose-poetry in short stories.
Levi Celerio (1997): Prolific lyricist, known for unique musical expressions.
Rolando S. Tinio (1997): Critic and playwright revolutionizing Tagalog literature.
Alejandro Roces (2003): Noted for comic short stories advocating Filipino culture.
Cirilo F. Bautista (2014): Multi-awarded poet and leader in literary workshops.
Ilocos Region
Francisco Sionil Jose (2001): Widely read for class struggle writings.
Cagayan Valley
Edith L. Tiempo (1999): Poet and teacher emphasizing the fusion of style with substance.
Central Luzon
Amado V. Hernandez (1973): Noted for socio-political novels and prose.
Carlos P. Romulo (1982): First Asian UN General Assembly President, Pulitzer Prize winner.
Virgilio S. Almario (2003): Chairman of the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino and literary critic.
CALABARZON
Bienvenido Lumbera (2006): Influential in Bagay poetry and librettist.
MIMAROPA
Nestor Vicente Madali Gonzalez (1997): Recognized fictionist and essayist.
National Capital Region
Carlos Quirino (1997): First recipient of the National Artist in Historical Literature for works on Philippine history.
National Capital Region
Alice Reyes (2014): Developed a distinctly Filipino modern dance idiom.
Central Luzon
Francisca Reyes Aquino (1973): Known as the “Mother of Philippine Folk Dancing.”
Bicol Region
Ramon Obusan (2006): Advocate for traditional dance and cultural exchanges.
Western Visayas
Lucrecia Reyes-Urtula (1988): Studied Philippine folk and ethnic dances extensively.
Muslim Mindanao
Leonor Orosa-Goquingco (1976): “Trailblazer” of Philippine Theater Dance, created original choreographies reflecting Philippine culture.
National Capital Region
Antonio J. Molina (1973): Innovator in Philippine music composition.
Honorata “Atang” de la Rama (1987): Known as the “Queen of Kundiman.”
Jose Maceda (1997): Musicologist promoting Philippine traditional music.
Andrea Veneracion (1999): Established the Philippine Madrigal Singers.
Ramon Santos (2014): Leading figure in contemporary Filipino music.
Ilocos Region
Lucrecia Roces Kasilag (1989): Developed Philippine music by blending ethnic and Western influences.
National Capital Region
Gerardo De Leon (1982): Most awarded film director in FAMAS history.
Ishmael Bernal (2001): Celebrated for social commentaries in cinema.
Fernando Poe, Jr. (2006): Cultural icon known for diverse roles.
Bicol Region
Lino Brocka (1997): Influential filmmaker focusing on marginalized sectors.
Cordillera Administrative Region
Lamberto V. Avellana (1976): Regarded as “The Boy Wonder” of Philippine Movies.
Negros Island
Eddie Romero (2003): Known for politically oriented films.
National Capital Region
Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero (1997): Founder of UP Mobile Theater; created plays reflecting Filipino behavior.
Ilocos Region
Salvador F. Bernal (2003): Renowned for theater design and promoting local materials.
Western Visayas
Daisy Avellana: Promoted legitimacy in theater and co-founded Barangay Theater Guild.