The 2025 honorees include the first woman proclaimed a National Artist for Visual Arts.
The Philippines has named its newest National Artists.
Through Proclamation No. 1414, s. 2026, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. conferred the Order of National Artists on the following:
- Nicanor Tiongson and Gregorio Brillantes for Literature
- Imelda Cajipe-Endaya and Nunelucio Alvarado for Visual Arts
- Gabriel Formoso for Architecture
- Rafael “Nonoy” Froilan for Dance
- Maria Beatriz “Patis” Tesoro for Design
- Armando “Bing” Lao for Film and Broadcast Arts
- Teodoro Hilado for Theater
- Alfredo S. Buenaventura for Music
Cajipe-Endaya’s proclamation marks a historic first: she is the first woman to be named a National Artist in the field of visual arts. Her work has frequently explored Philippine history and identity while bringing women’s lives and experiences into greater view.
The recognition of Tesoro, meanwhile, honors a career devoted to Philippine textiles and traditional dress. The designer has long championed indigenous materials and local craftsmanship through her work.
The Order of National Artists, or Orden ng mga Pambansang Alagad ng Sining, is the Philippines’ highest national recognition for individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of the country’s arts.
READ ALSO: What It Takes To Be A National Artist
The order is jointly administered by the National Commission for CultureCultureshared traditions, beliefs, values, customs, arts, and social practices that define the identity and way of life of a community, society, or nation.Go to Culture Glossary and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Candidates undergo a selection process before the final recommendations are submitted to the president for proclamation.
This is the first new group of National Artists since 2022, when eight figures were conferred the distinction: Agnes Locsin for dance; Salvacion Lim Higgins for design; Gémino Abad for literature; Fides Cuyugan-Asensio for music; Tony Mabesa for theater; and Nora Aunor, Ricky Lee, and Marilou Diaz-Abaya for film and broadcast arts.
Banner photo featuring Imelda Cajipe Endaya courtesy of Silverlens Manila | New York
Frequently Asked Questions
The 10 National Artists for 2025 are Nicanor Tiongson, Gregorio Brillantes, Imelda Cajipe-Endaya, Nunelucio Alvarado, Gabriel Formoso, Rafael “Nonoy” Froilan, Maria Beatriz “Patis” Tesoro, Armando “Bing” Lao, Teodoro Hilado, and Alfredo S. Buenaventura.
Imelda Cajipe-Endaya is the first woman to be proclaimed a National Artist of the Philippines in the field of visual arts.
Yes. Maria Beatriz “Patis” Tesoro was named National Artist for Design through Proclamation No. 1414, s. 2026.
The Order of National Artists is the Philippines’ highest national recognition for Filipinos who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts.
The Order of National Artists is jointly administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The final recognition is conferred by the president through a proclamation.
