On Friday, June 10, President Rodrigo Duterte declared eight Filipino icons in the field of arts and culture as new National Artists.
Leading the list is the country's Superstar Nora Aunor who was named National Artist for Cinema.
Aunor has always been pushed for the title for sevaral years now but has always been bypassed.
Joining Aunor in the prestigious list are Screenwriter and novelist Ricky Lee and renowned poet Gemino Abad for Literature.
Pioneer neo-ethnic dance choreographer Agnes Locsin for Dance and the legendary soprano Fides Cuyugan-Asensio for Music
Posthumous awards meanwhile were given to the late director Marilou Diaz-Abaya for Film, stage director and theater actor Tony Mabesa for Theater and icon of the modern terno Salvacion Lim Higgins, known for Fashion.
The Order of National Artists is given to Filipinos who have made significant contributions to Philippine arts and letters. Previous awardees include Ryan Cayabyab for Music, Alice Reyes for Dance, Fernando Poe Jr for Film, Bienvenido Lumbera for Literature, and Leandro Locsin for Architecture.
National Artist awardees receive cash award of P100,000 for living awardees and P75,000 for posthumous awardees, payable to their legal heirs.
They also receive a monthly life pension, medical and hospitalization benefits, life insurance coverage for those who are still insurable, a state funeral and burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, as well as a place of honor at national state functions and recognition at cultural events
