Metropolitan Theater, City of Manila
May 7, 2025

“Ang ating pagkakakilanlan bilang Pilipino ay hinubog ng mayamang kultura at tradisyong minana natin sa ating mga ninuno – kayamanang ating iniingatan at ipapasa sa susunod na mga henerasyon… The Philippines stands proud as a haven of timeless traditions, preserved and kept alive by the devoted stewards of our cultural bearers,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the 2023 Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Conferment Ceremony at the Metropolitan Theater in the City of Manila.

Conferring awards to nine (9) traditional Filipino artists, President Marcos Jr. highlighted the enduring value of traditional arts, praising awardees from across the Philippines for their mastery in oral traditions, embroidery, weaving, dance and brass casting.

“Kasama ng pagkilala sa ating mga katutubong manlilikha, binibigyang-pugay din natin ang walang kapantay nilang kontribusyon sa ating pagkakakilanlan,” he stated, reaffirming the government’s support through Proclamation No. 427 issued in 2023 which recognizes their invaluable contributions to Philippine culture.

The Chief Executive lauded the awardees as beacons guiding the nation toward a future where tradition coexists harmoniously with progress. “Sa ating mga Manlilikha ng Bayan, maraming salamat po sa pagtuturo ng kahalagahan ng ating katutubong kultura. Sa gitna ng makabagong mundo, kayo ang tinig ng ating pinagmulan,” he added.

Concluding his remarks, the President called upon Filipinos, especially the youth, to take pride in their indigenous heritage and support the continuation of these priceless traditions.

“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. Isabuhay natin ang pagiging Bagong Pilipino: na may disiplina, mahusay, at mahal ang inang bayan,” President Marcos Jr. said in closing.

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