National Living Treasures Award (Philippines)

The National Living Treasures Award, alternatively known as the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA; lit. 'Award for the Creators of the Country'), is conferred to a person or group of artists recognized by the Government of the Philippines for their contributions to the country's intangible cultural heritage. A recipient of the award, a National Living Treasure or Manlilikha ng Bayan is "a Filipino citizen or group of Filipino citizens engaged in any traditional art uniquely Filipino, whose distinctive skills have reached such a high level of technical and artistic excellence and have been passed on to and widely practiced by the present generations in their community with the same degree of technical and artistic competence."^[1]

National Living Treasure Award Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (Filipino)
Awards logo
Awarded by  Philippines
Type	Medal
Awarded for	See Award
Status	Currently constituted
Sovereign	President of the Philippines
Statistics
First induction	1993; 31 years ago (1993)
Precedence
Next (higher)	Order of Gabriela Silang
Next (lower)	Gawad Mabini
Equivalent	Order of National Artists, Order of National Scientists, Order of National Social Scientists, Order of Lakandula - Special Class of Champion for Life
Ribbon bar of the order

Current logo for the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property

The GAMABA medallon

History

In 1988, the National Folk Artists Award was organized by the Rotary Club of Makati-Ayala. The distinctions were given by the organization until it was replaced by the GAMABA Law in 1992. The recipients of the National Folk Artists from 1988–1992 are not recognized by the government as the award was given by a private organization.^[2]

The National Living Treasures Award (Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan) was institutionalized in 1992 through Republic Act No. 7355.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts, which is the highest policy-making and coordinating body of the Philippines for culture and the arts, was tasked with the implementation and awarding.^[3] This is in line with UNESCO's criteria of Living National Treasures.

Criteria

To become a National Living Treasure, the candidate must possess the following qualifications:^[3]

1. is an inhabitant of an indigenous/traditional cultural community anywhere in the Philippines that has preserved indigenous customs, beliefs, rituals and traditions and/or has syncretized whatever external elements that have influenced it.
2. must have engaged in a folk art tradition that has been in existence and documented for at least 50 years.
3. must have consistently performed or produced over a significant period, works of superior and distinctive quality.
4. must possess a mastery of tools and materials needed by the art, and must have an established reputation in the art as master and maker of works of extraordinary technical quality.
5. must have passed on and/or will pass on to other members of the community their skills in the folk art for which the community is traditionally known.

A traditional artist who possesses all the qualities of a Manlilikha ng Bayan candidate, but due to age or infirmity has left them incapable of teaching further their craft, may still be recognized if:^[3]

1. had created a significant body of works and/or has consistently displayed excellence in the practice of their art, thus achieving important contributions for its development.
2. has been instrumental in the revitalization of their community's artistic tradition.
3. has passed on to the other members of the community skills in the folk art for which the community is traditionally known.
4. community has recognized them as master and teacher of their craft.

Awards and Incentives

The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan recipients, as exemplified in Republic Act No. 7355^[4] shall receive a plaque or medal bearing the logo of the award. A duplicate of this is to be donated to and permanently displayed in the pertinent provincial museum or largest cultural center.

An initial grant of One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) and Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) a month thereafter for life. ^[4]

Categories

GAMABA 2024

The categories are, but not limited to, the following categories of traditional folk arts:^[3]

• ethnomedicine
• folk architecture
• maritime transport
• weaving
• carving
• performing arts
• literature
• graphic and plastic arts
• ornament
• textile or fiber arts
• pottery.
• architecture

Other artistic expressions of traditional culture may be added, such as the case of the ethnomedicine category, which was added only in 2020.^[5]

Recipients

Conferment of the GAMABA Awards in 2018

Senator Loren Legarda along with the GAMABA awardees (2017)

As defined by UNESCO, the bearers of intangible cultural heritage are to be known internationally as Living Human Treasures. The Filipino counterparts of this title are the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees.

There are currently twenty-five declared GAMABA awardees, all of which have exemplified the highest standard in their respective field of expertise.^[6]

Recipients

Image	Name	Category / declaration	Ethnic group / community	Native of	Proclamation	Year of declaration
	Ginaw Bilog	(For) faithfully preserving the Mangyan script and poetry by writing it on bamboo, and by promoting it in every occasion, so that this art will not be lost, but will be preserved for posterity[7][8]	Hanunuo Mangyan cultural community	Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro	Presidential Proclamation No. 383, May 17, 1994[9]	1993
	Masino Intaray	As a gifted poet, musician, epic chanter and storyteller, with the Basal and Kulilal Ensemble of Makagwa Valley, has been faithfully promoting and preserving the musical and literary tradition of the Palawan people [10]	Pala’wan	Brooke's Point, Palawan	Presidential Proclamation No. 384, May 17, 1994[11]	1993
	Samaon Sulaiman	Highest excellence in the art of Kutyapi playing and manifested his unwavering dedication and commitment to his art [12]	Maguindanao	Mamasapano, Maguindanao	Presidential Proclamation No. 385, May 17, 1994 [13]	1993
	Lang Dulay	Highest excellence in the art of abaca-ikat (T’nalak) weaving and manifested her unwavering dedication and commitment to her art[14]	T'boli	Lake Sebu, South Cotabato	Presidential Proclamation No. 1189, March 27, 1998[15]	1998
	Salinta Monon	Highest level of excellence in the art of abaca-ikat (Abaca – ikat / Inabal) weaving and manifested her unwavering dedication and commitment to her art[16]	Tagabawa-Bagobo community	Bansalan, Davao del Sur	Presidential Proclamation No. 1188, March 27, 1998 [17]	1998
	Alonzo Saclag	Kalinga Musician and Dance [18]	Kalinga	Lubuagan, Kalinga		2000
	Federico Caballero	Epic Chanter of Kinaray-a and other languanges [19]	Panay-Bukidnon	Sulod- Bukidnon, Iloilo		2000
	Uwang Ahadas	Yakan music[20]	Yakan	Lamitan, Basilan		2000
	Darhata Sawabi	Pis syabit weaving[21]	Tausūg	Parang, Sulu		2004
	Eduardo Mutuc	Pinukpuk bronze and silver metalwork [22]	Kapampangan	Apalit, Pampanga		2004
	Haja Amina Appi	Master mat weaver[23]	Sama-Bajau	Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi		2004
	Teofilo Garcia	The Preservation Of The Native Headgear Known As The Tabungaw By Keeping The Tradition Alive In His Community[24]	Ilocano	San Quintin, Abra	Presidential Proclamation No. 474, September 13, 2012 [25]	2012
	Magdalena Gamayo	(She) has contributed to the development of the Ilocano abel by using traditional designs in her work as well as perfecting weaving techniques that further enhance the uniqueness of these designs[26]	Ilocano	Pinili, Ilocos Norte	Presidential Proclamation No. 474, September 13, 2012 [27]	2012
	Ambalang Ausalin	Recognized for her commitment to the safeguarding and promotion of the Yakan tennun (tapestry weaving) tradition[28]	Yakan	Lamitan, Basilan	Presidential proclamation no. 126, signed January 6, 2017 [29]	2016
	Estelita Tumandan Bantilan	Recognized for her commitment to the safeguarding and promotion of the B'laan igem (mat weaving) tradition[30]	Blaan	Malapatan, Sarangani	Presidential proclamation no. 126, signed January 6, 2017 [29]	2016
	Yabing Masalon Dulo	Recognized for her commitment to the safeguarding and promotion of the B'laan mabal tabih (ikat weaving) tradition[31]	Blaan	Polomolok, South Cotabato	Presidential proclamation no. 126, signed January 6, 2017 [29]	2016
	Adelita Bagcal	Recognized for her commitment to safeguarding and promoting the Dallot and other ilocano oral traditions[32]	Ilocano	Banna, Ilocos Norte	Presidential Proclamation NO. 427, December 15, 2023 [33]	2023
	Abina Coguit	Suyam embroidery tradition of the Agusan Manobo	Agusan Manobo	La Paz, Agusan del Sur	Presidential Proclamation NO. 427, December 15, 2023 [33]	2023
	Sakinur-ain Delasas	Recognized for her commitment to safeguarding and promoting the Same igal (dance) tradition[32]	Sama-Bajau	Bongao, Tawi-Tawi	Presidential Proclamation NO. 427, December 15, 2023 [33]	2023
	Bundos Fara	Recognized for his commitment to safeguarding and promoting the T'boli temwel (brasscasting) tradition[32]	T'boli	Lake Sebu, South Cotabato	Presidential Proclamation NO. 427, December 15, 2023 [33]	2023
	Marife Ganahon	Recognized for her commitment to safeguarding and promoting the Higanon ikaw (mat weaving) tradition[32]	Higaonon	Malaybalay, Bukidnon	Presidential Proclamation NO. 427, December 15, 2023 [33]	2023
	Amparo Mabanag	Recognized for her commitment to safeguarding and promoting the Ga'dang manu'bak and ameru (beadworks and embroidery) traditions[32]	Ga'dang	Paracelis, Mountain Province	Presidential Proclamation NO. 427, December 15, 2023 [33]	2023
	Samporonia Madanlo	Recognized for her commitment to safeguarding and promoting the Mandaya dagmay (ikat weaving) tradition[32]	Mandaya	Caraga, Davao Oriental	Presidential Proclamation NO. 427, December 15, 2023 [33]	2023
	Barbara Ofong	Recognized for her commitment to safeguarding and promoting the T'boli t'nalak (ikat weaving) tradition[32]	T'boli	Lake Sebu, South Cotabato	Presidential Proclamation NO. 427, December 15, 2023 [33]	2023
	Rosie Sula	Recognized for her commitment to safeguarding and promoting the T'boli lingon (chanting) tradition[32]	T'boli	Lake Sebu, South Cotabato	Presidential Proclamation NO. 427, December 15, 2023 [33]

See also

• National Artist of the Philippines
• Art in the Philippines
• Tourism in the Philippines
• Living Human Treasure

References

1. Executive Order No. 236, s. 2003 Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved 14 April 2013.
2. "GAMABA: Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan". National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
3. "Briefer: Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Archived from the original on January 12, 2015. Retrieved August 28, 2016.
4. "Supreme Court E-Library RA 7355".
5. Pag-iwayan, Jessica (November 2, 2020). "Albularyo, babaylan, and manghihilot are now considered national living treasures". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
6. Manipon, Roel (January 2, 2024). "Hail the newly declared National Living Treasures". Daily Tribune (Philippines). Retrieved October 28, 2024.
7. "GAMABA: Ginaw Bilog". Ncca.gov.ph. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
8. Postma, Antoon (1995). "THE AMBAHAN: A MANGYAN POEM OF MINDORO". Philippine Quarterly of Culture and Society. 23 (1): 44–61. ISSN 0115-0243. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
9. "Proclamation No. 383". lawphil.net. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
10. "GAMABA: Masino Intaray". Ncca.gov.ph. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
11. "Proclamation No. 384". lawphil.net. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
12. "GAMABA: Samaon Sulaiman". Ncca.gov.ph. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
13. "Proclamation No. 385". lawphil.net. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
14. "GAMABA: Lang Dulay". Ncca.gov.ph. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
15. "Proclamation No. 1189". lawphil.net. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
16. "National Living Treasures: Salinta Monon - National Commission for Culture and the Arts". Ncca.gov.ph. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
17. "Proclamation No. 1188". lawphil.net. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
18. "GAMABA: Alonzo Saclag". Ncca.gov.ph. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
19. "GAMABA: Federico Caballero". Ncca.gov.ph. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
20. "GAMABA: Uwang Ahadas". Ncca.gov.ph. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
21. "GAMABA: Darhata Sawabi". Ncca.gov.ph. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
22. "GAMABA: Eduardo Mutuc". Ncca.gov.ph. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
23. "GAMABA: Haja Amina Appi". Ncca.gov.ph. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
24. "GAMABA: Teofilo Garcia". Ncca.gov.ph. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
25. "Proclamation No. 475". lawphil.net. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
26. "GAMABA: Magdalena Gamayo". Ncca.gov.ph. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
27. "Proclamation No. 474". lawphil.net. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
28. "National Living Treasures: Ambalang Ausalin - National Commission for Culture and the Arts". Ncca.gov.ph. March 4, 1943. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
29. "Proclamation No. 126". lawphil.net. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
30. "Manlilikha ng Bayan - Estelita Bantilan". Ncca.gov.ph. October 17, 1940. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
31. "National Living Treasures: Yabing Masalon Dulo - National Commission for Culture and the Arts". Ncca.gov.ph. August 8, 1914. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
32. Presidential Proclamation No. 427, s. 2023 (December 15, 2023), Declaring nine (9) individuals as Manlilikha ng Bayan for 2023 (PDF), retrieved December 21, 2023
33. "Proclamation No. 427". lawphil.net. Retrieved September 1, 2024.

External links

• Media related to Recipients of orders, decorations and medals of the Philippines at Wikimedia Commons