Overview
This lecture discusses the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) or National Living Treasures Award, its significance in preserving Philippine arts, and highlights notable awardees and their contributions.
GAMABA: Definition and Purpose
- GAMABA stands for Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, also called the National Living Treasures Award.
- It is the highest state honor recognizing outstanding traditional Filipino folk artists.
- Created under Republic Act No. 7355, institutionalizing this recognition.
- The award celebrates mastery in traditional arts, skill transfer, and consistent artistic quality.
Role of NCCA
- The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) administers and implements the GAMABA award.
- NCCA searches for the finest traditional artists and runs programs for skill transfer.
- The NCCA logo is a stylized human form from traditional cloth, with "Manlilikha ng Bayan" in ancient script.
Selection Process
- Nominees come from various sources and are evaluated by a panel of experts.
- The final decision is made by the NCCA.
- Criteria include mastery, consistent quality, documentation, skill transfer, and integrity.
Notable GAMABA Awardees & Contributions
Literature
- Ginaw Bilog — Preserved Mangyan ambahan poetry.
- Federico Caballero — Epic chanter from Panay-Bukidnon, documented and performed traditional epics.
Dance & Music
- Alonzo Saclag — Master dancer from Kalinga; founded Kalinga Budong Dance Troupe and promoted local arts.
- Masino Intaray — Southern Palawan musician skilled in basal ensemble, kulilal poetry, and bagit instrumental music.
- Samaon Sulaiman — Maguindanaon kutyapi master who taught the next generation.
- Uwang Ahadas — Yakan musician, expert in playing kwintangan kayu.
Weaving
- Darhata Sawabi — Master pis syabit weaver from Sulu.
- Haja Amina Appi — Sama mat weaver from Tawi-Tawi.
- Lang Dulay — T'boli weaver of t'nalak fabric.
- Magdalena Gamayo — Ilocano abel weaver from Ilocos Norte.
- Salita Monon — Bagobo textile weaver renowned in Davao del Sur.
Other Traditional Crafts
- Eduardo Mutuc — Pampanga metalsmith who created wood and metal art for churches.
- Teofilo Garcia — Ilocano craftsman, known for making tabungaw (gourd casque).
Key Terms & Definitions
- GAMABA — Highest national award for traditional Filipino artists.
- NCCA — Agency overseeing culture and arts; administers GAMABA.
- Ambahan — Mangyan lyric poetry about love and friendship.
- Basal — Palawan musical ensemble; used during tambilaw ritual.
- Kulilal — Palawan lyric poem about love, sung with instruments.
- Bagit — Instrumental music reflecting nature’s sounds.
- Pis Syabit — Traditional woven cloth from Sulu.
- T'nalak — Abaca fiber fabric woven by the T'boli.
- Abel — Ilocano handwoven textile.
- Tabungaw — Traditional Ilocano headpiece made from gourd.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the lives and works of listed GAMABA awardees.
- Prepare to discuss the significance of GAMABA in preserving Filipino culture in class.
- Research local traditional artists in your province or region.