PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. yesterday vowed to sustain government efforts to preserve the indigenous culture and traditions of the country amid rapid technological advances.
Marcos made the statement as he led the conferment of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (Gamaba) at the Manila Metropolitan Theater in Manila where he recognized nine traditional artists who have excelled in oral tradition, embroidery, weaving, dance, and brass casting.
Marcos cited the awardees’ hard work and commitment to pass on their knowledge to the new generation and preserve their culture and tradition amid modernization and technology advances.
“You are voices of our origins,” he said, expressing hope that their recognition and contributions would serve as a powerful reminder to everyone to do their share “to protect, preserve, and pass on the cultural treasures entrusted to us.”
“Be assured that this administration, through the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, will continue to champion traditional arts, indigenous knowledge, and cultural sustainability,” he added.
The president also urged the youth to take pride in their culture and heritage and to take an active role in safeguarding the country’s identity.
“My call to all Filipinos – especially the youth — let us recognize and proudly promote our own culture and traditions,” he said.
Gamaba, or the National Living Treasures Award, is the highest state honor given to a Filipino in recognition of his/her outstanding work as traditional folk artists. It was established under Republic Act (R.A.) No. 7355 and signed in 1992.
Sixteen individuals have already been conferred the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan from 1993 to 2016.
The 2023 awardees include Adelita Bagcal, an Ilocano master of oral traditions from Banna, Ilocos Norte who is recognized for safeguarding and promoting the Dallot and other Ilocano oral traditions; Abina Coguit, an Agusan Manobo embroiderer from La Paz, Agusan del Sur for safeguarding and promoting the Agusan Manobo suyam or embroidery tradition; and Marife Ganahon, a Higaonon mat weaver from Malaybalay, Bukidnon for preserving and promoting the Higaonon Ikam (mat weaving) tradition.
Other Gamaba awardees are Amparo Balansi Mabanag, a Ga’dang embroiderer from Paracelis, Mountain Province who preserved and promoted the Ga’dang manu’bak and ameru (beadworks and embroidery) traditions; Samporonia Pagsac Madanlo, a Mandaya ikat weaver from Caraga, Davao Oriental, for the Mandaya dagmay (ikat weaving) tradition; and Barbara Kibed Ofong, a T’boli ikat weaver from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato for the T’boli t’nalak (ikat weaving) tradition.
The other Manlilikha ng Bayan awardees are Hadja Sakinur-ain Mugong Delasas, a Sama master of traditional dance from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, recognized for her commitment to safeguarding and promoting the Sama igal (dance) tradition; Bundos Bansil Fara, a T’boli brasscaster from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato the T’boli for work on wel (brass casting) tradition; and Rosie Godwino Sula, a T’boli chanter also from Lake Sebu for the T’boli lingon (chanting) tradition.
The awardees received a commemorative plaque and/or medal, an initial grant of P100,000 and a lifelong monthly stipend of P10,000. They are also tasked to pass on their knowledge to their communities and the future generations, promote their craft, and donate samples or copies of their work to the National Museum.
