Cecile expressed her deep sorrow over the passing of visual artist Abdul Imao. She recalls that his nomination as National Artist was bypassed by the NCCA and CCP Council of experts and board members. However, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo exercised her presidential prerogative and privilege to name Imao the first Muslim National Artist. He was nominated by the President herself, with the nomination communicated by the presidential adviser on the peace process, Teresita Deles and vetted by the honors committee in Malacañang. Among the resource persons asked to defend the President’s selection of Imao as a National Artist, Cecile is gratified with her role, believing Imao fully worthy and deserving of the honor, which he bears for his Muslim brothers and the whole nation.