Palace Proclaims 10 New National Artists for 2025 Under Proclamation 1414

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially named 10 new cultural icons to the Order of National Artists through Presidential Proclamation No. 1414, s. 2026. The highly anticipated announcement represents the largest single-cycle batch of awardees since the country’s highest artistic recognition was established in 1972. 

The conferment of the Order of National Artists followed joint recommendations from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The new roster features four posthumous honorees and includes Imelda Cajipe-Endaya, who makes history as the very first female National Artist for Visual Arts. 

The complete list of the newly proclaimed National Artists spans nine distinct categories: 

Architecture and Allied Arts: Gabriel P. Formoso †

Dance: Rafael "Nonoy" Catalino Froilan

Design: Maria Beatriz "Patis" Fabella Pamintuan Tesoro

Film and Broadcast Arts: Armando "Bing" Lao †

Literature: Gregorio C. Brillantes † and Nicanor G. Tiongson

Music: Alfredo S. Buenaventura

Theater: Teodoro L. Hilado †

Visual Arts: Nunelucio M. Alvarado and Imelda Cajipe-Endaya 

(Note: † indicates a posthumous conferment)

The Order of National Artists remains the highest national distinction bestowed upon Filipino citizens who have made distinct and significant contributions to the advancement of Philippine arts and letters. Living awardees will receive a Grand Collar, a life pension, and substantial medical benefits, while all honorees are entitled to a state funeral and a place of honor at national state functions.

Courtesy: National Commission for Culture and the Arts