KIDLAT TAHIMIK MOVES TO GIVE UP NATIONAL ARTIST BENEFITS IN PROTEST OF CHED REFORMS

National Artist Kidlat Tahimik is moving to give up the privileges and benefits attached to the country’s highest cultural honor in protest of proposed higher education reforms that would reduce General Education (GE) units in college from 36 to 18.

In an open letter addressed to Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Dr. Shirley Agrupis, the acclaimed filmmaker and cultural advocate criticized what he described as an education system increasingly focused on producing globally competitive workers at the expense of culture, ethics, history, and the humanities.

Tahimik argued that the proposed reduction reflects a broader trend of prioritizing measurable job-market skills over the development of well-rounded citizens. He likened the approach to the colonial-era education model introduced by American Thomasites, which he said emphasized basic skills training while neglecting deeper cultural and social values.

The filmmaker also expressed concern over the growing influence of artificial intelligence and market-driven education policies, warning that subjects related to the humanities, regional languages, social ethics, and Filipino cultural identity are increasingly being pushed to the margins.

“As a protest, I am surrendering my prestigious medallion of the Order of National Artists and I will forego my National Artist amenities,” Tahimik wrote, describing the move as a symbolic act similar to a hunger strike. The benefits include government stipends, healthcare privileges, and eligibility for burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Tahimik stressed that his decision is a personal gesture meant to draw attention to what he sees as the erosion of culture and historical consciousness in Philippine education. He argued that values such as compassion, community relations, harmony with nature, and spiritual balance are difficult to quantify but remain essential to nation-building.

The National Artist ended his letter with a call for Filipinos to defend the place of culture and history in education, declaring: “Sugod mga Kapatid! Bawi-in ang liwanag ng ating kultura’t kasaysayan sa curricula!”

The proposed changes to the General Education curriculum have sparked debate among educators, cultural workers, and academic institutions, with critics warning that further reductions could weaken students’ understanding of Philippine society, history, and identity.