GAWAD SA MANULIKHA NG BAYAN (GAMABA) – National Living Treasures Award

Vocabulary flashcards covering the GAMABA program, its history, criteria, benefits, notable awardees, and related concepts from the notes.

GAMABA (Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan)

National Living Treasures Award; the highest Philippine government recognition for traditional folk artists.

National Living Treasures Award

Another name for GAMABA; the national honor recognizing Filipino traditional artists who preserve and promote cultural heritage.

Republic Act No. 7355

The law enacted in April 1992 that institutionalized GAMABA.

NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts)

The state’s highest policy and coordinating body for culture and the arts; responsible for GAMABA processes.

Baybayin

Ancient Filipino script used in writing the GAMABA logo caption; reflects Filipino heritage.

Manlilikha ng Bayan

Literally 'Creator of the Nation'; title given to GAMABA awardees.

GAMABA logo

Stylized human form in traditional cloth with MANLILIKHA NG BAYAN written in Baybayin.

Ginaw Bilog

First GAMABA awardee (1993) recognized for traditional music/poetry.

Masino Intaray

GAMABA awardee (1993) recognized for traditional music/poetry.

Samaon Sulaiman

GAMABA awardee (1993) recognized for traditional music/poetry.

Lang Dulay

GAMABA awardee (1998); renowned weaver (T'boli textile).

Salinta Monon

GAMABA awardee (1998); recognized for traditional weaving.

Federico Caballero

GAMABA awardee (2000); master of his traditional craft.

Uwang Ahadas

GAMABA awardee (2000); master of traditional music.

Alonzo Saclag

GAMABA awardee (2000); master of Kalinga folk arts.

Darhata Sawabi

GAMABA awardee (2004); renowned weaver of Pis Syabit (tubao rug).

Eduardo Mutuc

GAMABA awardee (2004); metalworking artist.

Haja Amina Appi

GAMABA awardee (2004); traditional craft artisan.

Teofilo Garcia

GAMABA awardee (2012); known for berno (philippine pottery) mastery.

Magdalena Gamayo

GAMABA awardee (2012); master weaver of Ilocos textiles.

Ambalang Ausalin

GAMABA awardee (2016); master of traditional craft.

Estelita Bantilan

GAMABA awardee (2016); textile artist.

Yabing Masalon Dulo

GAMABA awardee (2016); master weaver.

Samporonia Madanlo

GAMABA awardee (2023–2025); traditional artist.

Rosie Sula

GAMABA awardee (2023–2025); traditional artist.

Marife Ganahon

GAMABA awardee (2023–2025); traditional artist.

Sakinur-ain Delasas

GAMABA awardee (2023–2025); traditional artist.

Amparo Mabanag

GAMABA awardee (2023–2025); traditional artist.

Abina Coguit

GAMABA awardee (2023–2025); traditional artist.

Barbara Ofong

GAMABA awardee (2023–2025); traditional artist.

Bundos Fara

GAMABA awardee (2023–2025); traditional artist.

Adelita Bagcal

GAMABA awardee (2023–2025); traditional artist.

1988 National Folk Artists Award

Forerunner to GAMABA; initiated by Rotary Club of Makati-Ayala to honor keepers of traditional arts; not an official national award but inspired GAMABA.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) gold-plated medallion

Medallion minted for GAMABA awardees as part of the recognition.

Executive Order No. 236

Legal basis used to confer the rank and title of Manlilikha ng Bayan.

Honors Code of the Philippines

Another policy basis for conferring the title and honors to GAMABA awardees.

Cash award (Php 200,000)

Minimum one-time cash prize for an individual GAMABA awardee, net of taxes.

Lifetime stipend (Php 50,000 per month)

Ongoing monthly financial support for GAMABA awardees.

Medical and hospitalization benefits (up to Php 750,000/year)

Health benefits provided to GAMABA awardees.

State funeral

Government-arranged funeral for a GAMABA awardee upon death.

GAMABA Hall / Manlilikha ng Bayan Hall

Exhibit or hall dedicated to GAMABA at national museums.

Whang-Od

A renowned master of tattooing from Kalinga; case study topic on why she was not awarded GAMABA.