2 bishops back calls to make Dolphy national artist

DOLPHY

MANILA, Philippines—Two members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines voiced support Saturday for calls that the ailing  actor and comedian Dolphy be proclaimed a  National Artist.

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, member of the CBCP Permanent Council, said Dolphy, whose real name is Rodolfo Vera Quizon, deserved the honor of being declared  a national artist  for providing Filipinos with “wholesome” entertainment.

“Why not? Honor should be given also to the living if he deserves it,” Bastes said in an interview. “Dolphy has entertained our nation with wholesome comedies generally.”

Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez said Quizon, who has sired 17 children by several women, should be proclaimed a national artist not just for entertaining Filipinos for decades but also for “imparting values” to the public.

“His many television shows and movies that entertained millions also portrayed values such as love of  children, simple lifestyle, humility, respect, hard work, self-reliance, teamwork, sincerity, compassion, obedience to law, self-discipline, and sense of responsibility, among others,” he said.

The National Artist award is regarded as the highest recognition given by the government to Filipino individuals who contributed significantly to the development of Philippine art and culture.

Calls to declare Quizon a national artist grew especially after he was rushed anew to the Makati Medical Center two weeks ago. He suffers from an advanced case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The National Commission on Culture and the Arts on Friday said it was  processing the nomination of Quizon as a national artist.