Nelson Morales

9 bearers of PH cultural heritage conferred with National Living Treasures Award

Article (news)

Anna Cerezo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1746612458157Image.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="The recipients of the National Living Treasures Award. Anna Cerezo, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner">The recipients of the National Living Treasures Award. Anna Cerezo, ABS-CBN News</span></span></span></div><p>Nine bearers of Philippine cultural heritage were officially conferred the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA), or National Living Treasures Award, during a ceremonial event held at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on Wednesday.</p><p>The awardees were first recognized by President Ferdinand &quot;Bongbong&quot; Marcos Jr. in 2023 and have now formally received the country&#x27;s highest honor for traditional arts.</p><p>&quot;They are the living embodiments of our national heritage and pillars of our cultural identity. Kasama sa pagkilala sa ating mga katutubong manlilikha, binibigyang-pugay natin ang walang kapantay nilang kontribyuson sa ating pagkakakilanlan,&quot; the President said in his closing remarks.</p><p>The GAMABA is the most prestigious distinction bestowed by the Philippine government on individuals or groups who have shown exceptional mastery and unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting traditional Filipino art forms.</p><p>&quot;From the mountains of northern Luzon to the southern island of Mindanao, our awardees are carriers of tradition, artisans of old craft, and guardians of indigenous knowledge that stood the test of time,&quot; Marcos said.</p><p>This is the first time in GAMABA&#x27;s history that nine awardees are honored in a single conferment, marking the highest number of recipients in a single year.</p><p>&quot;Ang manlilikha ng bayan ay hindi lamang tagapagmana ng alaala. Sila rin ang mga guro, gabay, at tagapagtanggol ng mga paniniwala at praktis na nag-uugat sa ating katutubong kultura. Sa kanilang walang-sawang pagtuturo, binubuhay nila ang kolektibang alaala ng ating ninuno at pinapalalim pa nila ang ating pagka-Pilipino,&quot; said National Commission for Culture and the Arts executive director Eric B. Zerrudo.</p><p>Below are the awardees:</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Adelita Romualdo Bagcal</strong></div><p>Manlilikha ng Bayan Para sa Dallot at Tradisyung Pasalita ng Iloko</p><p>Banna, Ilocos Norte<strong></strong><strong></strong></p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Abina Tawide Coguit</strong></div><p>Manlilikhang Bayan Para sa Suyam ng Agusan Manobo</p><p>La Paz, Agusan del Sur<strong></strong><strong></strong></p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Hadja Sakinur-Ain Mugong Delasas</strong></div><p>Manlilikha ng Bayan Para sa Igal ng Sama</p><p>Bongao, Tawi-Tawi</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Bundos Bansil Fara</strong></div><p>Manlilikha ng Bayan Para sa Kadalubhasaan sa Temwel ng T’boli</p><p>Lake Sebu, South Cotabato</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Marife Ravidas Ganahon</strong></div><p>Manlilikha ng Bayan Para sa Ikam ng Higaonon</p><p>Malaybalay, Bukidnon</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Amparo Balansi Mabanag</strong></div><p>Manlilikha ng Bayan Para sa Manu&#x27;bak at Ameru ng Ga&#x27;dang</p><p>Paracelis, Mountain Province</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Samporonia Pagsac Madanlo</strong></div><p>Manlilikha ng Bayan Para sa Paghahabi ng Dagmay ng Mandaya</p><p>Caraga, Davao Oriental</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Barbara Kibed Ofong</strong></div><p>Manlilikha ng Bayan Para sa Paghahabi ng T&#x27;nalak ng T’boli</p><p>Lake Sebu, South Cotabato</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Rosie Godwino Sula</strong></div><p>Manlilikha ng Bayan Para sa Tagulaylay ng T&#x27;boli</p><p>Lake Sebu, South Cotabato</p>

<p>The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan or National Living Treasures Award recognizes individuals or groups who have shown exceptional mastery and unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting traditional Filipino art forms.</p>

The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan or National Living Treasures Award recognizes individuals or groups who have shown exceptional mastery and unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting traditional Filipino art forms.