ERIC de Guia, more popularly known as Kidlat Tahimik, will be awarded the Order of National Artists in ceremonies set at the Malacañan Palace on October 24.
Kidlat was born on October 3, 1942 in Baguio City.
He still resides in Baguio and manages arts spaces VOCAS and Ili Likha.
President Rodrigo Duterte will confer the honor to Kidlat in the field of film for his work spanning four decades.
The Baguio boy Kidlat started his film career with the making of his independent film, Perfumed Nightmare, which won in the Berlin film Festival.
The Order of National Artists is bestowed on Filipinos who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine art.
Kidlat is referred to as the "Father of Philippine Independent Cinema" and is fondly called "Tatay" by the local indie film makers and artists in the city.
He attended the University of the Philippines, where he was a member of the Student Council.
It was UP that endorsed his nomination to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Months ago, Kidlat was awarded by the Amsterdam-based Prince Claus Fund for his exemplary achievements in visual arts and film.
He was recognized for his holistic, free-spirited and joyfully rebellious approach and lifetime commitment to independent creativity; charismatic role as a catalyst and thought leader inspiring people to tap into their own inner spirit; innovative works in multiple fields that reject imposed conventions in favor of an ingenious, pragmatic and environmentally aware DIY ethos and aesthetic; his vital and compelling filmmaking showing how to condemn and fight injustice while living joyfully; for his commitment to Philippine culture and pro-indigenous activism, creatively resisting cultural imperialism and showing that local ways and knowledge are a rich resource; and for his deep social engagement and generosity in doing whatever he can to change things for the better, building infrastructure, sharing his gifts and creating spaces of freedom.