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The National Artist title is given by virtue of a Presidential Proclamation. It is a title given to a Filipino who has been given the highest recognition for having made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts.

Part of 2009's roster of National Artists is world-renowned fashion designer Jose 'Pitoy' Moreno. The person who put the Philippines on the fashion map of the world. Philippine fabrics like the jusi, the pina, and the lepanto were made known to the world by Pitoy. His dresses aren't only beautiful to look at, they are also of exquisite workmanship.

Some people think somebody deserves receiving the National Artist title more than Pitoy Moreno. Some say the honor was granted as a "political favor". For me, I think it was simply giving the award to someone who truly fit the bill — he is in some ways nationalistic, and in every way artistic.