3 Artists from Mindanao were recognized as National Living Treasures by Duterte

11 Jan 3 Artists from Mindanao were recognized as National Living Treasures by Duterte

Image Source | Steve McRae

President Rodrigo Duterte’s Proclamation No. 126 that was issued on January 6, 2017 recognized three artists from Mindanao to be awarded with the National Living Treasures or Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Award, namely Ambalang Ausalin, Estelita Tumandan Bantilan, and Yabing Masalon Dulo, for being at the forefront of the practice, preservation, and promotion of the nation’s folk arts.

Ausalin was chosen as an awardee for her commitment in safeguarding and promotion of the Yakan tennum or tapestry-weaving tradition. She is a Yakan tapestry weaver from Lamitan in Basilan.

B’laan mat weaver Bantilan who is from Sarangani was recognized for her commitment in perpetuating the B’laan igem or mat-weaving tradition.

Dulo, who is a B’laan ikat weaver from South Cotabato, was awarded for her commitment in preserving B’laan mabal tabih or ikat-weaving tradition.

These three awardees will be receiving an initial grant of P100,000, a medallion, and P14,000 in lifetime stipend per month. They will also be granted a maximum cumulative amount of P750,000 in medical and hospitalization benefits, as well as funeral assistance just like what the National Artists have received.

Through the Republic Act 7355 of the Manlilikha ng Bayan Act, this said State’s recognition of such sociocultural contributions was formalized. The Senate then adopted Resolution 765 in 2014 recognizing the achievements of the living treasures of the country.

Source: Manila Standard