1.

Ginaw Bilog (1993) Salinta Monon was the last traditional

Bagobo textile weaver from Davao del Sur.
Known for: Ambahan Poetry She preserved the art of weaving intricate
Ginaw Bilog was recognized for his expertise patterns unique to the Bagobo people,
in Ambahan, the traditional poetry of the ensuring that this cultural heritage remained
Hanunuo Mangyans. This form of poetry, alive.
written on bamboo in Surat Mangyan script, is 6. Teofilo Garcia (2012)
a vital cultural heritage. He preserved and
shared this tradition, ensuring its survival for Known for: Tabungaw Hats
future generations.
Teofilo Garcia crafted tabungaw hats made
2. Masino Intaray (1993) from native gourds. These hats, known for
their durability and uniqueness, represent
Known for: Basal, Kulilal, Bagit, Aroding Ilocano ingenuity. He was also his product's
(mouth harp), and Babarak (ring flute) endorser, showcasing the tradition in local
Masino Intaray was celebrated for his and national settings.
exceptional skill in music and storytelling. He 7. Magdalena Gamayo (2012)
was deeply connected to Palawan’s cultural
heritage through his mastery of musical Known for: Ilocano Weaving (Binakol, Kusikos,
instruments and traditional oral traditions, etc.)
which he performed during rituals and
gatherings. Magdalena Gamayo mastered traditional
Ilocano weaving patterns and taught herself
3. Samaon Sulaiman (1993) designs like binakol and kusikos. Her work,
known for its resilience and intricate details,
Known for: Kutyapi (two-stringed lute) kept this art alive in Ilocos Norte.
Samaon Sulaiman reached the pinnacle of 8. Ambalang Ausalin (2016)
excellence in playing the kutyapi, one of the
most challenging Filipino musical Known for: Seputangan Weaving
instruments. His repertoire of styles, such as
dinadalay and binalig, exemplified his Ambalang Ausalin was a Yakan textile weaver
unparalleled skill and dedication to who specialized in making seputangan, a
preserving Maguindanaoan musical geometric-designed cloth that is the most
traditions. important part of a Yakan woman’s ensemble.
Her artistry highlighted her dedication to
4. Lang Dulay (1998) preserving Yakan weaving traditions.
Known for: T’nalak Weaving 9. Estelita Bantilan (2016)
Lang Dulay was a T’nalak Dreamweaver from Known for: Mat Weaving
the T’boli tribe. Her weavings, made from
abaca fibers, depicted patterns inspired by Estelita Bantilan was recognized for her
dreams, folklore, and T’boli traditions. Her vibrant and intricate woven mats. Her work
work symbolized the spirituality and identity preserved the Blaan weaving tradition,
of the T’boli people. showcasing their identity and craftsmanship.

5. Salinta Monon (1998) 10. Yabing Masalon Dulo (2016)

Known for: Bagobo Textiles Known for: Tabih Weaving

Yabing Masalon Dulo created tabih, Legal Basis
traditional abaca cloth using natural dyes and
geometric patterns. Her weavings embodied 1. Presidential Proclamation No. 1001
the spirituality and cultural identity of the (1972): Established the National Artist
Blaan people. Award.

What is a National Artist? 2. Proclamation No. 1144 (1973):

Assigned the CCP Board as the
A National Artist is a Filipino citizen honored National Artist Awards Committee.
with the highest recognition for their
significant contributions to the development 3. Executive Order No. 236 (2003):
of Philippine arts and letters. The rank and Elevated it to a Cultural Order under
title are conferred by the President of the the Philippine honors system.
Philippines through a Presidential
Proclamation.
Criteria for Selection
1. Filipino Citizenship: Must be a
Significance of the Award Filipino citizen at the time of
The title recognizes outstanding Filipino nomination or death (if posthumously
artists whose work: awarded).

• Contributes to building a Filipino 2. National Identity: Contributions

identity. must enhance the Filipino sense of
nationhood.
• Showcases creative innovation and
3. Innovation: Must have pioneered
excellence.
new creative styles or expressions.
• Has a substantial influence on
Philippine culture and future 4. Body of Work: Must display a
generations. significant output of consistently
excellent art.
5. Recognition: Must have earned
How is the National Artist Title Awarded? national and/or international acclaim.
1. The National Commission for
Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the
Cultural Center of the Philippines Privileges of National Artists
(CCP) nominate deserving National Artists receive the following honors
individuals. and benefits:
2. The President officially confers the 1. Rank and Title of National Artist.
title.
2. A cash prize:
The award includes an insignia (Grand Collar)
with circular links, a sunburst, and a o ₱100,000 for living awardees.
medallion representing Filipino creativity. o ₱75,000 for posthumous
awards (given to heirs).
3. Lifetime benefits, including:
 o Monthly life pension. various disciplines like music, theater,
film, and visual arts.
o Medical and hospitalization
benefits. • Awardees: Individuals who have
achieved national and/or international
o Life insurance (if insurable). acclaim for their contributions.
4. State Funeral and burial at the • Significance:
Libingan ng mga Bayani.
o Highlights the role of creative
5. Recognition at national functions and innovation in building
cultural events. national identity.
o Recognizes urban-based,
First National Artist contemporary artists.

• Fernando Amorsolo (1972): • Compensation:

Recognized posthumously for his o ₱100,000 cash for living
remarkable works in painting.
awardees.
. GAMABA (Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan) o ₱75,000 posthumous award.
• Purpose: Recognizes traditional and o Monthly life pension, medical
indigenous artists who preserve and benefits, and a state funeral.
promote intangible cultural heritage
like weaving, poetry, and music.
• Awardees: Mostly grassroots artists Which is Better?
from indigenous communities.
• For Cultural Preservation:
• Significance:
o The GAMABA Award is better
o Focuses on cultural because it uplifts
preservation of traditional marginalized artists and
practices. ensures the survival of
indigenous and traditional art
o Highlights the importance of forms.
community-based art forms
that are often overlooked. • For Artistic Excellence and Modern
Recognition:
• Compensation:
o The National Artist Award is
o ₱100,000 initial cash award. better because it celebrates
o ₱14,000 monthly stipend. creative innovations that bring
Filipino art to global
o Additional financial support prominence.
for continuing their craft.
Conclusion: Both awards are equally
important in their respective domains. The
2. National Artist Award "better" award depends on whether the focus
is on preserving traditional heritage
• Purpose: Recognizes excellence in (GAMABA) or recognizing contemporary
modern art and literature across achievements (National Artist Award)