By Gabriela Baron
Malacañang declared eight icons of Filipino arts and culture as the country’s new National Artists for 2022.
Actress Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, professionally known as Nora Aunor, was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast, alongside novelist and screenwriter Ricky Lee and late director Marilou Diaz-Abaya.
Diaz-Abaya was the first female director to be conferred as National Artist.
Late stage director and theater actor Tony Mabesa was also declared National Artist for Theater, contemporary choreographer Agnes Locsin for Dance, and pioneer couturier Salvacion Lim-Higgins for Design.
Meanwhile, poet Gemino Abad was given the title National Artist of Literature, and soprano Fides Cuyugan-Asensio was named National Artist for Music.
Upon joint recommendation of the National Commission for Culture and Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Malacañang announced the eight new National Artists by virtue of Proclamation no. 1390.
The Order of National Artist, established under Proclamation no. 1001 signed in 1972, is the highest national recognition awarded to Filipinos who have made distinct contributions to the development of the Philippine arts and culture. – ngs
