Arroyo names 7 National Artists for 2009

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has named seven National Artists for 2009, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said on Wednesday. Ermita identified the new national artists as Manuel Urbano a.k.a Manuel Conde (Film and Broadcast); Lazaro Francisco (Literature); Federico Aguilar Alcuz (Visual Arts, Painting, Sculpture and Mixed Media); Cecilla Guidote-Alvarez (Theater); Magno Jose "Carlo" Caparas (Visual Arts and Film); Francisco Manosa (Architecture); and Jose "Pitoy" Moreno (Fashion Design). Ermita made the announcement in a press conference at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) shortly before President Arroyo’s departure to the United States for a week-long official visit, which would include a meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House. According to the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Order of National Artists or Orden ng Gawad Pambansang Alagad ng Sining is the “highest national recognition" given to Filipino individuals who have made major contributions to the development of Philippine arts; namely, Music, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts, Literature, Film and Broadcast Arts, and Architecture and Allied Arts. It is jointly administered by the NCCA and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and conferred by the President upon recommendation by both institutions. Those who were proclaimed will be given medallion and citation, and will also receive a lifetime emolument and material and physical benefits like cash award, a monthly pension, medical and hospitalization benefits. The awardees will likewise receive life insurance coverage, arrangement and expenses for a state funeral, a place of honor, in line with protocular precedence, at national state functions, and recognition at cultural events. - GMANews.TV