The Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, conferred on Thursday the Order of National Artists to eight personalities in Philippine culture and the arts.
The awards were given out in a ceremony in Malacañang on Thursday, June 16 and veteran actress Nora Aunor, did not make it to the event.
RELATED STORY: Nora Aunor no-show as Duterte confers Order of National Artists to 8 individuals
Aunor was instead represented by her children, Ian and Matet de Leon, both actors. The awards were conferred to:
– Nora Aunor (National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts)
– Marilou Diaz-Abaya (deceased; National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts)
– Ricardo “Ricky” Lee (National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts)
– Agnes Locsin (National Artist for Dance)
– Salvacion Lim-Higgins (deceased; National Artist for Design)
– Gemino Abad (National Artist for Literature),
– Fides Cuyugan-Asensio (National Artist for Music)
– Antonio “Tony” Mabesa (deceased; National Artist for Theater).
The Order of National Artists is the highest honor given to Filipinos for their contribution to culture and the arts.
