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(From left) 2023 Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan awardees Marife Ravidas Ganahon, Bundos Bansil Fara, Rosie Godwino Sula, Barbara Kibed Ofong, 2012 Gamba Awardee Magdalena Gamayo, NCCA Chairman Victorino Mapa Manalo, 2023 Gamaba Awardee Samporonia Pagsac Madanlo, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., 2023 Gamaba Awardees Sakinur-ain Mugong Delasas, Adelita Romualdo Bagcal, Abina Tawide Coguit, Amparo Balansi Mabanag, 2016 Gamaba Awardee Estelita Bantila, and 2012 Gamaba Awardee Teofilo Garcia at the conferment ceremony of the 2023 Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on May 7, 2025. NCCA PHOTO
PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. led the conferment ceremony of the 2023 Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (Gamaba) at the historic Metropolitan Theater in Manila on May 7, 2025.
The ceremony was the first time in Gamaba history wherein nine awardees were honored in a single conferment, marking the highest number of recipients in a single year.
Gamaba or the National Living Treasures Award is the highest recognition bestowed by the Philippine government to individuals or groups who have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in preserving and promoting traditional Filipino arts.
Established through Republic Act No. 7355 in 1992, Gamaba aims to honor those who have mastered indigenous crafts and have actively passed on their knowledge to succeeding generations.
The ceremony opened with Manlilikha ng Bayan Adelita Romualdo Bagcal who led a dallot, an oral tradition sung or chanted in Ilokano.
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NCCA Executive Director Eric Zerrudo delivered an opening message highlighting the GAMABA as a source of inspiration among Filipinos.
"May you be an inspiration to every Filipino – from schoolchildren to the leaders of the nation – to further embrace our Filipinoness. It is time for the voice of our indigenous people to be heard in every corner of the country, so that in every development project, the knowledge from our ancestors can be included," Zerrudo said in Filipino.
On behalf of the nine new awardees, Gamaba awardee Hadja Sakinur-Ain Mugong Delasas of the Sama community in Tawi-Tawi, delivered a message for their well-deserved conferment.
Delasas emphasized the importance of sustaining the practices of not only the nine newly honored traditional artists but of all traditional artists in the country.
"May we be given the strength to continue our art and pass it on to future generations. May we not only understand and appreciate the nine of us, but all traditional artists who continue to strive to continue their culture despite the strong influence of the new era," Delasas said, urging the public to help preserve and safeguard the traditional roots of the Filipino people.
Beyond recognizing individual excellence, Gamaba is a vital mechanism for the preservation and promotion of the Philippines' intangible cultural heritage.
By honoring these living treasures, the award reinforces the importance of cultural continuity across generations.
In his speech, Pres. Marcos Jr. extended his congratulations and gratitude to the nine new Gamaba recipients.
"To our future generations, thank you for teaching us the importance of our indigenous culture. In the midst of the modern world, you are the voice of our origins. Be assured that this administration, through the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, will continue to champion traditional art, indigenous knowledge, and cultural sustainability," he said.
He also urged the country, especially the youth, to continue to support the efforts of the country's traditional artists.
"Along with this promise, I would like to appeal to all Filipinos, especially our youth. Let us recognize and be proud of our own. Support the continuation of the priceless legacies that have been passed on to us by our cultural masters. It is our civic duty to keep these traditions alive. For within them lie our voice, our strength, and the very essence of our identity. Let us live out the new Filipino way of life, with discipline, efficiency, and love for the Motherland," the President urged.
Together with NCCA Chairman Victorino Mapa Manalo, President Marcos Jr. bestowed the medal and plaque to the awardees accompanied by their families.
Manlilikha ng Bayan Magdalena Gamayo and Teofilo Garcia, awarded in 2012, and Estelita Bantila, awarded in 2016, also graced the prestigious conferment ceremony.
Also in attendance were NCCA Deputy Executive Director for Administration and Support Services Marichu Tellano, NCCA Deputy Executive Director for Operations Bernan Joseph Corpuz, the NCCA Board of Commissioners, Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah "Honey" Lacuna-Pangan, local government unit leaders, families of the Gamaba awardees, and NCCA and Gamaba Secretariat.
Gamaba recipients are honored not only with the nation's highest cultural recognition but also with substantial support from the government to sustain
their practice and well-being.
Each awardee receives a gold-plated medallion minted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, an initial grant of P200,000 upon conferment, and a lifetime monthly stipend of P50,000.
These financial grants aim to affirm the value of their cultural contributions and assist them in continuing their work within their communities.
In addition to monetary support, Gamaba awardees are entitled to a maximum of P750,000 in medical and hospitalization benefits.
In the event of their passing, they are accorded a state funeral – an honor that reflects the nation's deep respect for their legacy.
These privileges reflect the Philippine government's commitment to the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage and to upholding the dignity and well-being of the living bearers of tradition.
Visit www.ncca.gov.ph and the Facebook page @NCCAOfficial or contact Rene Napeñas, Public Affairs and Information Office head, through [email protected] for more information,
