Christopher de Venecia Extends Congratulations to the Ten New National Artists
Former Congressman Christopher “Toff” de Venecia extends his warmest congratulations to the ten Filipinos who have been proclaimed the country’s newest National Artists, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to Philippine arts, culture, and national identity.
Through Proclamation No. 1414, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conferred the Order of National Artists upon the following:
- Nicanor Tiongson for Literature
- Gregorio Brillantes for Literature;
- Imelda Cajipe - Endaya for Visual Arts;
- 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; and
- Alfredo S. Buenaventura for Music.
Four of the honorees—Brillantes, Formoso, Lao, and Hilado—were recognized posthumously. The conferment marks another significant moment for Philippine arts and culture. The Order of National Artists is the country’s highest recognition for Filipinos who have made distinct and significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts and letters. With this latest group, the nation honors artists whose work has not only enriched their respective disciplines but has also helped shape the Filipino imagination and cultural identity. For de Venecia, the recognition of these ten distinguished artists is a celebration not only of individual achievement, but also of the immense creative potential of the Filipino people.
As a longtime advocate and champion of the Philippine creative industries, de Venecia has consistently worked to elevate the role of artists, cultural workers, creators, and creative enterprises in national development. He authored the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (Republic Act No. 11904), landmark legislation that seeks to strengthen and institutionalize support for the country’s creative economy.
The law reflects de Venecia’s long-standing belief that creativity is not merely a cultural asset but also a powerful engine for livelihood, innovation, economic growth, and nation-building. His advocacy has sought to create an environment where Filipino creatives can pursue their craft with dignity, protection, opportunity, and pride.
The recognition of the ten new National Artists is therefore especially meaningful in the continuing effort to build a country that values creativity as an essential part of its future.
De Venecia has often emphasized that “the future is creative,” a vision rooted in the belief that succeeding generations of Filipinos should be able to pursue careers in the arts and creative industries without having to choose between passion and a sustainable livelihood.
The new National Artists embody that vision. Their decades of dedication demonstrate how creative work can transcend generations, disciplines, and borders. Their contributions serve as enduring reminders that Filipino creativity is a source of both cultural pride and national strength.
Their recognition also comes at a time when the Philippine creative economy continues to demonstrate its growing importance. Recent data cited by PeopleAsia showed that the creative economy contributed approximately ₱1.72 trillion, or 7.1 percent of the country’s GDP, in 2023, while providing employment to more than seven million Filipinos.
Against this backdrop, de Venecia congratulates the ten new National Artists for reaching the highest distinction the Philippine Republic can bestow upon its artists.
Their lives and bodies of work stand as inspiration for the generations of writers, artists, designers, performers, filmmakers, musicians, architects, and cultural workers who continue to create and imagine a more vibrant Filipino future.
Christopher “Toff” de Venecia extends his deepest congratulations to National Artists 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.
Among the honorees is Imelda Cajipe Endaya, the first woman to be recognized as a National Artist for Visual Arts. A pioneering artist and advocate for women in the arts, Endaya’s recognition marks an important milestone for Filipino women artists and for Philippine Contemporary Art.
Their recognition is a triumph for Philippine arts and culture—and a powerful affirmation of what Filipino creativity can achieve.
As the Philippines continues to build a stronger and more inclusive creative economy, their legacy reminds the country that when creativity is nurtured, Filipino talent does not simply flourish—it becomes part of the nation’s enduring story.
References:
ABS-CBN News. (2026, September 9). Ten new National Artists named. ABS-CBN Lifestyle.
Philippine News Agency. (2026, September 10). Marcos names 10 new National Artists. Philippine News Agency
Republic of the Philippines, Office of the President. (2026). Proclamation No. 1414: Conferring the Order of National Artists upon ten distinguished Filipinos. Official Gazette / Supreme Court E-Library
Siytangco, D. (2022, August 21). Toff De Venecia, champion of the local creative industries! Manila Bulletin. Manila Bulletin
Medina, F. Y. (2024, July 20). Rep. Christopher de Venecia: The future belongs to thecreatives. PeopleAsia. PeopleAsia
Republic Act No. 11904. (2022). Philippine Creative Industries Development Act. Republic of the Philippines.