THOMASIAN architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa was named National Artist for architecture and allied arts, along with six other artists, in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace on Wednesday.
Mañosa, who graduated from the old College of Architecture and Fine Arts in 1953, is known for his design philosophy of sustainability and versatility in using organic and local materials.
President Rodrigo Duterte, along with Margarita Moran-Floirendo, chairwoman of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, conferred the title on the seven new National Artists.
“Our cultural heritage is vital to the formation [of] the identity of Filipinos,” Duterte said in his speech.
National Artist Virgilio Almario, chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, was present in the ceremony.
“Obligasiyon na natin ang pangagalaga, pagpapalaganap at pagpapahalaga sa kanilang mga pamana,” said Almario.
Other awardees were Resil Mojares for literature, Amelia Lapeña Bonifacio for theater, Raymundo “Ryan” Cayabyab for music, and Eric de Guia, also known as “Kidlat Tahimik,” for film and broadcast arts.
The award was given posthumously to Lauro “Larry” Alcala for visual arts and Ramon Muzones for literature.
