Heroes Hall, Malacañang
08 November 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III recognized two outstanding individuals whose passion and creativity have set good examples for preserving the tradition of inabel-weaving and tabungaw-making during the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan awarding ceremonies in Malacañang.

The President, together with National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Felipe M. de Leon Jr. and Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Committee Chairperson Elena Rivera Mirano, handed the awards to Magdalena Gamayo, an inabel weaver from Ilocos Norte and Teofilo Garcia, a tabungaw maker from Abra.

During his speech, President Aquino praised the contribution of the awardees to relive rich Filipino traditions that are handed down from generation to generation.

“Karapat-dapat lang po na kaakibat ng matatanggap ninyong pagkilala, ang karampatang mga benepisyo para sa inyo. Kasama po rito ang serbisyong pangkalusugan at buwanang pension, upang kahit paano’y masuklian ang inyong malaking ambag sa lipunan. Pinatutunayan po ninyong ang mga pamana ng lahi ay lalong nagpapatingkad sa yaman ng bayan,” he said.

President Aquino said that through the initiatives of NCCA, his government will continue to provide and support programs for Philippine arts and give rightful recognition and appreciation for Filipino artists. He said that it is the duty of the State to preserve and enrich the country’s culture and tradition.

Magdalena Gamayo or “Nanay Magdalena” perfected the art of weaving Iloco abel for nearly seven decades, while Teofilo Garcia never stopped looking for other resources to further refine his tabungaw or a salakot made from gourd.

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