At the center of the controversy is Alejandro Roces, this year’s National Artist for Literature. Much has been made of President Arroyo’s selection of Roces, seemingly at the eleventh hour, for the award. Ironically, these awards were started during the regime of a man Roces and his clan had opposed. The tradition of giving national recognition to Philippine artists was started by Ferdinand Marcos – one of the measures apparently meant to soften the impact of his authoritarian rule.
Marcos never meant to have the final word on the awards entrusted to those who nominated potential awardees. He selected from among the nominees but was not bound to limit himself to the list. From his own list he picked and proclaimed the National Artists. The choices have always been a presidential prerogative. As National Artist F. Sionil Jose has pointed out, a president can pick even her own hairdresser if the person deserves the honor.
And why shouldn’t Alejandro Roces deserve his award? The man has been writing about Philippine culture for much of his life – in short stories, in a book, in newspaper columns for three decades. His work has been acknowledged by distinguished colleagues such as National Artist Nick Joaquin, who nominated Roces for his award. Roces’ work is a celebration of life in this country; his life is a story of love for this land. President Arroyo did right in giving Roces recognition for his life’s work.
The selection process for National Artists is not perfect and could use some improvements. What may never change, however, is the crab mentality that unfortunately keeps rising to the surface in most awarding endeavors in this country.