Nora Aunor, seven others named new National Artists

Malacañang has declared Nora Aunor and seven other prominent figures in Philippine culture and arts as the country's National Artists for 2022.

Aunor, who is Nora Villamayor in real life, was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts together with screenwriter and novelist Ricky Lee and the late director Marilou Diaz-Abaya.

Choreographer Agnes Locsin was National Artist for Dance; pioneering couturier Salvacion Lim-Higgins for Design (Fashion); literary critic Gemino Abad for Literature; soprano Fides Cuyugan-Asensio for Music and stage director and actor Tony Mabesa for Theater.

The announcement of the new National Artists came through Proclamation No. 1390 issued by Malacañang upon the joint recommendation of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Established under Proclamation No. 1001 signed in 1972, the Order of National Artist is the highest national recognition conferred upon Filipinos who have made distinct contributions to the development of the Philippine arts and culture.

According to the NCCA, the rank of National Artist is proclaimed by the President. The awardee will receive a gold-plated medallion minted by the Bangko Sentral ng PIlipinas.

Awardees will receive a lifetime emolument and material and physical benefits such as a minimum P200,000 cash award and minimum lifetime personal monthly stipend of P50,000 for living awardees.

They are also entitled to medical and hospitalization benefits not exceeding P750,000.00 per year; coverage by a life insurance policy by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and/or private insurance companies from date of conferment the award, in the event that the National Artist is insurable, the premiums for which shall be paid by the National Government or by donation from any governmental or private entities; a state funeral, the arrangements for and the expenses of which shall be borne by the government, upon the death of the National Artist.

Posthumous awardees will get a one-time minimum cash award of P150,000 payable to the legal heirs. —Sundy Locus/BAP/LDF, GMA News