Gemino Abad: Cebu's second National Artist for Literature

CEBU, Philippines —  Poet and literary critic Gemino “Jimmy” Abad has become the second Cebuano to be conferred the distinction of being a National Artist for Literature.

Abad joins seven others in the latest batch of National Artists announced by the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) late Friday evening.

Malacanang declared eight new National Artists for 2022, namely Agnes Locsin for Dance, Salvacion Lim-Higgins for Design (Fashion), Nora Villamayor  a.k.a Nora Aunor, Ricardo “Ricky” Lee, and Marilou Diaz-Abaya for Film and Broadcast Arts, Gemino Abad for Literature, Fides Cuyugan-Asensio for Music, and Antonio “Tony” Mabesa for Theater.”

This came after the joint recommendation of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) via Proclamation No. 1390.

The Order of National Artist (Orden ng mga Pambansang Alagad ng Sining), established under Proclamation No. 1001 signed in 1972, is the highest national recognition conferred upon Filipinos who have made distinct contributions to the development of the Philippine arts and culture. In particular, it includes areas in music, dance, theater, visual arts, literature, film, broadcast arts, architecture, and allied arts.

Abad is the son of an equally acclaimed Cebuano poet and professor, Antonio Abad.

“Meeting the challenge of his father’s legacy, Abad has garnered numerous prestigious academic and literary awards to his own name, including the UP Outstanding Faculty Award, Palanca, Free Press, and the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas,” part of the article from the pantikian.com.ph reads.

Abad got his Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the Philippines in 1964 and his Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Chicago in 1970.

Aside from that, he received numerous grants and professorships abroad and in the Philippines as well.

A UP professor emeritus, he also co-founded the Philippine Literary Arts Council (PLAC) and has authored some books of poetry, criticism, and fiction.

Abad is the second Cebuano to be named a National Artist for literature.

The first one was former University of San Carlos professor Resil Mojares who was named a National Artist back in 2018.

Mojares is known to be a critic of Philippine literature and a historian. – JMD (FREEMAN)