FOURTEENTH CONGPSSS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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S E N A T E  
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The great Filipino painters Fernando Amorsolo, Vicente Manansala, Arturo Luz, 
Cesar Legaspi, Ang Kiukok and Ben Cabrera. The prolific Filipino auteur Lino Brocka 
and Philippine cinema's finest realist Ishmael Bernal. 
The bravura of outstanding 
musicians Andrea Veneracion, Lucio San Pedro and Lucrecia Kasilag. The mastefi 
steps of Francisca Reyes Aquino and Ramon Obusan. The grandeur of designs in the 
works of Salvador Bernal. The gem of sculpture excellence of Napoleon Abueva. The 
fascinatingly rich writings of Nick Joaquin, Bienvenido Lumbera, and F. Sionil Jose. 
The true actor's actor, film gem F e m d o  Poe, Jr. 
All of them, together with more than twenty (20) other Filipinos of the highest 
artistry and pride are National Artist awardees. Pambansang Alagad ng Sining, Artistu 
ng Bayun. 
A National Artist of the Philippines is a title given to a Filipino who has been 
given the highest recognition for having made significant contributions in the 
development of Philippine arts, namely, visual arts, literature, music, dance, film, 
broadcast arts, fashion design, architecture and allied arts. 
Through Proclamation Number I001 issued on April 2, 1972, the National Artist 
Award is administered by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and presented BY the 
President of the Philippines. At present, the Artistu ng Bayun is given a presidential 
medallion and is conferred membership in the Order of National Artists. 
This legislation complements the national recognition being awarded by 
providing cash prizes and a dedication spot which celebrates the excellent works, highest 
artistry and outstanding body of works and deeds of the Artista ng Bayan. It should be 
extended to all winners, from 1972 to the present. 
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Early cognizance of this bill is sought. 


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5 , p  1 7 p (4 .:. “ : 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
OF TH?? PHILIPPINES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philipuines in 
Connress assembled: 
SECTION ONE. 
All awardees of the National Artist or “Artista ng Bayan” 
including those that have been recognized posthumously are accorded the highest honor 
of Philippine pride and shall be given a cash prize of One Million Pesos each. 
Five (5) years after its implementation, the National Commission on Culture and 
Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) are hereby empowered to 
review the cash prizes as may be deemed necessary and recommend appropriate increases 
and awarding of other prizes as may be relevant. 
A “spot of honor” in the CCP and NCCA is to be constructed and each of the 
National Artist winner shall be accorded a corner showcasing and celebrating his 
excellent works, highest artistry and outstanding body of works and deeds. 
FOT the purpose of this Act, the family or beneficiaries of the awardees shall be 
entitled to the cash prizes provided in this Act, in addition to their prizes which include a 
presidential medallion and membership conferment in the Order of National Artists. 
Provided, That the term “family” or “beneficiary” shall refer to the surviving spouse and 
his legitimate children, or parents, or brothers and sisters, in that order. 
Provided, 
further, that the grant of cash prizes under this Act shall have retroactive application and 
shall be provided all National Artist or “Artista ng Bayan” awardees. 
SECTION TWO. The amount necessary to carry out the provisions o f  this Act is 
hereby authorized to be appropriated in the General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION THREE. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of national 
circulation. 
Approved,