FRIENDS, classmates, relatives, foreigners, returning professionals, “balikbayans” and even people I have just met have often asked whether I am a National Artist for Music — or have assumed that I already am. So sorry to rain on your parade, everyone, but I am not a national artist.
People often ask why someone has to “apply” for a national award, especially when their achievements are already known. Please allow me to explain why this happens.
Why paperwork is needed
Award-giving bodies cannot know every deserving person in the country. Many great achievements happen quietly, in different places and fields. Applications and nominations help bring these people to the attention of the committee.
The documents also help prove that the achievements are real. They give judges records, samples of work, awards, reviews or other evidence they can check. This protects the award from mistakes, exaggeration or favoritism.
Why the same rules apply to everyone
Using the same forms and requirements makes the process fairer. It gives judges a common basis for comparing people from different fields, backgrounds and careers.
It also confirms that the nominee accepts the nomination and is willing to take part in the ceremony, public announcements and responsibilities that may come with the honor.
Not everyone hasvto apply personally
For some major awards, a respected person, institution or committee may nominate someone instead. In other cases, experts quietly gather the needed information for highly respected figures.
So, when even famous people are asked for documents, it is usually not to question their greatness. It is mainly to meet legal, administrative and record-keeping requirements.
Why awards are handled by different agencies
A single national awards office may sound simpler, but different fields need different kinds of experts. The people who judge scientists, artists, public servants, writers or cultural workers must understand the standards of those fields.
That is why awards are often handled by specialized agencies or councils. They are closer to the people and communities they serve, and they are better able to judge real excellence.
This also prevents one office from having too much power over who receives national recognition. Several layers of review help keep the process fair and credible.
In many advanced award systems, institutional boards, councils of experts or previous laureates do not require the nominee to lift a finger. Instead, the secretariat or committee itself initiates the research, compiles the documentation on behalf of the nominee and moves them forward through the pipeline.
Ultimately, although a centralized awards agency could offer a clear point of reference for national recognition, assigning this responsibility to specialized cultural and scientific institutions ensures that those evaluating the work understand its real significance.
As an aside, my siblings and I once tried to have our father, Dr. Reynaldo Lesaca Sr., considered for the National Scientist award. We believed he truly deserved it because of his published scientific works, his long service as a public servant and university professor, his achievements as a scientist and mathematician, the first commissioner of the National Air and Water Pollution Commission, and his role as UNEP director for Asia and the Pacific. For example, his work reached both government and academic circles, and he was also the only Filipino known to have personally interviewed Albert Einstein. Carlos Romulo, by comparison, was the first Filipino to speak with Einstein by phone. To our great disappointment, however, we learned that only living persons could receive the award. Because of that rule, our father could not be included, despite his contributions to science and society. At least we tried, Papa.
To react to my opening statement above, I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to perform all over the country for kings, queens, princes, princesses, heads of state, first ladies, presidents and former presidents, senators, Cabinetsecretaries,governors, mayors, diplomats, foreign dignitaries, tycoons, philanthropists, cultural leaders, church leaders, military officers, academic leaders and public servants, as well as for the poor people in the streets and sari-sari stores drinking beer with me.
Your applause still counts as the greatest award of my lifetime
