The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA)

,
or the National Living Treasures Award, is the highest recognition given by the Philippine
government to individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation and
development of traditional Filipino arts and crafts. The award is conferred by the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to recognize master artisans in various fields of
indigenous and traditional crafts, such as weaving, pottery, music, dance, and other forms of
cultural heritage.

Key Features of the GAMABA Award:

 Purpose: To honor individuals who have dedicated their lives to the preservation,
promotion, and transmission of traditional Filipino art forms, often in danger of being lost
due to modernization or commercialization.
 Criteria: Recipients are chosen based on their outstanding mastery of their craft, their
role as a community leader in cultural traditions, and their ability to pass on their
knowledge to younger generations.
 Fields of Recognition: Includes weaving, pottery, metalwork, dance, music, oral
traditions, and other forms of indigenous art.
 Awardee Benefits: Awardees receive a cash prize, a medal, and a certificate. They also
receive a monthly stipend for life, provided by the Philippine government.

Some Notable GAMABA Awardees:

 Lang Dulay (1998) – A T'boli master weaver renowned for her expertise in t'nalak
weaving.
 Salinta Monon (1998) – A master weaver from the B'laan community, known for her
traditional inabal weaving technique.
 Baybayin practitioners – In recognition of their efforts to preserve the ancient Filipino
script, such as those who helped revive and teach the Baybayin script to younger
generations.
  Eddie and Louella P. Abayon – Noted for their contributions to traditional pottery-
making.

The GAMABA is an important award because it emphasizes the importance of safeguarding

intangible cultural heritage and supporting artists who carry on the legacy of their communities'
traditions.

The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA), or the National Living Treasures Award,
is the highest recognition given by the Philippine government to individuals who have made
significant contributions to the preservation and development of traditional Filipino arts and
crafts. The award is conferred by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)
to recognize master artisans in various fields of indigenous and traditional crafts, such as
weaving, pottery, music, dance, and other forms of cultural heritage.

Key Features of the GAMABA Award:

 Purpose: To honor individuals who have dedicated their lives to the preservation, promotion,
and transmission of traditional Filipino art forms, often in danger of being lost due to
modernization or commercialization.
 Criteria: Recipients are chosen based on their outstanding mastery of their craft, their role as a
community leader in cultural traditions, and their ability to pass on their knowledge to younger
generations.
 Fields of Recognition: Includes weaving, pottery, metalwork, dance, music, oral traditions, and
other forms of indigenous art.
 Awardee Benefits: Awardees receive a cash prize, a medal, and a certificate. They also receive a
monthly stipend for life, provided by the Philippine government.

Some Notable GAMABA Awardees:

 Lang Dulay (1998) – A T'boli master weaver renowned for her expertise in t'nalak weaving.
 Salinta Monon (1998) – A master weaver from the B'laan community, known for her traditional
inabal weaving technique.
 Baybayin practitioners – In recognition of their efforts to preserve the ancient Filipino script,
such as those who helped revive and teach the Baybayin script to younger generations.
 Eddie and Louella P. Abayon – Noted for their contributions to traditional pottery-making.

The GAMABA is an important award because it emphasizes the importance of safeguarding

intangible cultural heritage and supporting artists who carry on the legacy of their communities'
traditions.

Becoming a Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure) or recipient of the Gawad sa

Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) award involves a rigorous and thorough process that
includes several steps, criteria, and qualifications. Here’s how one can become a Manlilikha ng
Bayan:

1. Eligibility Requirements
  Mastery of a Traditional Craft: The nominee must be a master or highly skilled artisan in a
traditional Filipino art or craft that has been passed down through generations. This could
include weaving, pottery, metalwork, music, dance, oral traditions, and other indigenous forms
of cultural expression.
 Cultural Significance: The art form practiced by the nominee must be significant to a particular
community or group, often integral to the culture, identity, and traditions of the indigenous
people or ethnic group.
 Transmission of Knowledge: One key requirement is that the nominee has been actively
teaching or passing on their knowledge and skills to younger generations. This ensures that the
craft or art form remains alive and continues to thrive.
 Sustained Excellence: The nominee should have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to their
craft, with decades of active practice, innovation, and cultural contributions. They must have
shown excellence and mastery over time, rather than just a brief period of recognition.

2. Nomination Process

 Nominations for the GAMABA are typically initiated by local or regional cultural organizations,
community leaders, or the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Individuals
cannot directly nominate themselves; it is generally through the recommendation of peers or
cultural experts.
 Documentation: The nomination includes a detailed documentation of the nominee's life,
achievements, and contributions. This typically includes:
o Biographical details (birth, training, family background)
o Achievements in the craft or art form
o Contributions to the community and cultural preservation
o Testimonials or recommendations from community members, experts, and cultural
institutions
 Field Verification: The NCCA or a designated panel will conduct an on-site visit to verify the
nominee’s qualifications and achievements. They assess the nominee’s skills, teaching methods,
and impact on the community, including their role in the preservation of traditional knowledge.

3. Selection Criteria

The NCCA panel or the GAMABA Search Committee evaluates the following:

 Artistic Excellence: How exceptional the craft or art form is, and whether the nominee
demonstrates outstanding mastery of it.
 Cultural Relevance: The significance of the art form to the culture and identity of the
community. Is it an art that is threatened or fading, and does the nominee contribute to its
preservation and revitalization?
 Continuity and Legacy: Whether the nominee has contributed to the continuity of the craft,
particularly through teaching or mentoring the younger generation. Preserving the art through
generations is a critical element.
 Community and National Impact: The nominee's role in their local community and beyond.
They should have contributed to fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the
cultural heritage represented by their craft.
4. Approval and Conferment

After the selection process, the NCCA presents the list of nominees to the President of the
Philippines for final approval. Once approved, the award is officially conferred to the recipient
in a formal ceremony. The award includes:

 A medal, which symbolizes the mastery of the craft.

 A certificate that recognizes the individual as a National Living Treasure.
 A monetary award (typically a cash prize).
 A monthly stipend for the lifetime of the recipient to ensure that they are financially supported
while continuing their cultural work.
 A support package that may include access to resources, cultural platforms, and a network of
other artisans.

5. Post-Award Recognition

After receiving the award, the Manlilikha ng Bayan is honored and celebrated in various ways,
often through exhibits, media coverage, and cultural events. The award not only brings national
recognition to the recipient but also raises awareness about the value of preserving indigenous
arts and crafts.

Example of Criteria in Practice:

For instance, Lang Dulay, a T'boli master weaver, was awarded the GAMABA in 1998 because
of her exceptional skill in weaving the t’nalak fabric, a traditional and sacred T'boli art form. She
was also recognized for her role in passing down the craft to the younger generation, ensuring
that the weaving techniques continued to thrive in her community.

In summary, to become a Manlilikha ng Bayan, one must be a highly skilled and dedicated
artisan, actively involved in preserving and transmitting traditional Filipino arts, with a
significant impact on both their local community and the national cultural landscape. The process
is comprehensive, involving a combination of local recognition, thorough documentation, field
assessments, and formal approval by the government.

GAMABA (Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan) awardees, or National Living Treasures,

receive several significant incentives and honors in recognition of their exceptional contributions
to preserving and promoting traditional Filipino arts and crafts. The benefits are designed not
only to celebrate their mastery but also to support them and ensure the continued transmission of
their craft. Here are the key incentives awarded to GAMABA recipients:

1. Cash Prize

 Initial Cash Award: Awardees receive a one-time cash prize, which is typically
₱100,000. This is a recognition of their lifetime dedication to their craft and an
acknowledgment of their artistic contributions to Filipino culture.
2. Medal and Certificate

 Medal: The GAMABA awardee is presented with a gold medal inscribed with the name
of the award. The medal symbolizes their excellence and mastery in their traditional art
form.
 Certificate: A formal certificate is awarded to the recipient, officially recognizing them
as a National Living Treasure or Manlilikha ng Bayan.

3. Monthly Stipend for Life

 Lifetime Financial Support: One of the most important incentives for GAMABA
awardees is a monthly stipend provided by the Philippine government. This stipend
helps support the recipient throughout their life and ensures they can continue their work
without financial worry. The stipend is typically ₱10,000 per month.
 This financial assistance is meant to help awardees maintain their lifestyle and practice
without the pressures that may come from economic hardship, allowing them to continue
their cultural work and teach younger generations.

4. Health and Medical Benefits

 Healthcare Assistance: GAMABA awardees are also entitled to medical and healthcare
benefits, helping to ensure their well-being in their later years.
 This can include access to government health programs and services that may assist with
medical costs, especially for aging artisans who may require healthcare services.

5. Recognition and Publicity

 National Recognition: The awardees gain national visibility and recognition. This
recognition comes through media coverage, public events, and exhibitions. They may be
invited to cultural festivals, workshops, and seminars, which helps highlight the
importance of preserving traditional arts.
 Promotional Support: Awardees and their craft may be featured in cultural programs,
educational campaigns, and publications aimed at preserving Philippine cultural heritage.
 National Pride: Being named a Manlilikha ng Bayan elevates the status of the
recipient, not just in their community, but on a national level, raising awareness about the
art form they represent.

6. Support for the Craft and Art Form

 Cultural Support: In addition to financial incentives, awardees may receive support to

continue their work, such as access to government resources, materials, and platforms for
displaying and selling their crafts. This can include funding for workshops, the creation
of cultural centers, and participation in exhibitions both locally and internationally.
 Training and Mentorship: The NCCA and local government units may help facilitate
opportunities for the awardees to teach, train, and mentor younger generations in their
 communities or in other parts of the country. This is crucial in ensuring the continued
survival of their traditional crafts.

7. Protection of Intellectual Property and Cultural Legacy

 Intellectual Property Recognition: GAMABA awardees often receive support in

protecting their cultural creations and traditional techniques, particularly in cases where
the traditional arts could be at risk of exploitation or misrepresentation. The NCCA may
assist in efforts to ensure that the intellectual property of the awardees is respected and
that their cultural knowledge is preserved for future generations.
 Cultural Legacy Preservation: The honor of being named a GAMABA awardee helps
preserve the legacy of the awardee's craft. Their role in safeguarding and transmitting
knowledge is recognized as critical for the protection of the country’s intangible cultural
heritage.

8. Special Plaques and Honors

 Plaques and Trophies: Along with the medal, awardees are given a plaque
commemorating their achievement. These awards are typically presented in a formal
ceremony, often attended by government officials, cultural leaders, and media, which
helps further publicize their accomplishments.

9. Global Recognition and Opportunities

 As National Living Treasures, some awardees have the opportunity to showcase their
craft abroad through international cultural exchange programs, exhibitions, and festivals.
This global recognition helps elevate the awareness of Philippine indigenous arts and
crafts on the world stage.

In summary, the GAMABA award not only honors the recipient with financial support, health
benefits, national recognition, and cultural visibility, but also ensures that their legacy and
traditional craft will be preserved and passed on to future generations. These incentives aim to
sustain the craft, enrich the lives of the awardees, and safeguard the nation’s cultural heritage.