IN THE WAKE of Superstar Nora Aunor’s passing on April 16, 2025, the nation mourns not just a beloved icon of Philippine cinema, but a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts whose humility remained intact despite reaching the pinnacle of artistic achievement.
As Solid Noranians flocked to her wake at Heritage Park in Taguig City, many wondered what it means to be bestowed with the country’s highest artistic honor.
Prestigious recognition
The Order of National Artists (Orden ng mga Pambansang Alagad ng Sining) represents the highest recognition the Philippine government bestows upon artists who have made significant contributions to the development of Filipino arts and culture.
Established through Presidential Decree No. 208 signed by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in June 1973, this prestigious title acknowledges exceptional achievement in dance, music, literature, film, broadcast arts, theater, architecture, and other artistic fields.
Tangible benefits
When an artist receives this honor while still living, as Nora Aunor did in 2022, she received a comprehensive package of benefits designed to honor their contributions and support their continued artistic journey:
- A gold-plated medallion specially crafted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
- A one-time cash award of P200,000
- Medical and hospitalization benefits of up to P750,000 annually
- A monthly lifetime stipend of P50,000
- Lifetime insurance coverage from GSIS or a private insurance company
- A State Funeral when they pass away, as we witnessed with Nora Aunor
For National Artists who got recognized posthumously, the nation ensures their legacy lives on:
- A P150,000 cash award presented to legal heirs
- Cultural commemorations and ceremonial events celebrating their artistic contributions
Beyond material benefits
While these tangible benefits acknowledge the artist’s contributions, the true value of the National Artist recognition extends far beyond financial rewards. It represents the nation’s collective appreciation for those who have shaped cultural identity through their creative vision and dedication.
As writer Jerry Gracio eloquently described Nora Aunor: “She was the Superstar, but her feet remained planted on the ground. The brightest star in showbiz, yet she remained accessible to ordinary people, someone you could hang out with, share a smoke with.”
This accessibility, combined with artistic brilliance, exemplifies why the National Artist recognition matters—it celebrates not just creative genius, but also the power of art to connect people across social boundaries.
The joint recommendation by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) that led to Aunor’s recognition underscores the rigorous process behind selecting these cultural treasures, ensuring that only those who have truly transformed Philippine arts receive this distinction.
By remembering Nora Aunor and other National Artists, we also celebrate not just their work but their enduring influence on Filipino identity and cultural expression—a legacy that continues to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
Source: https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/national-artists-of-the-philippines/
