History

Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan

Established in April 1992 through Republic Act No. 7355, the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasures Award) honors Filipinos who exemplify excellence in preserving the nation’s intangible cultural heritage. Administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)—the government’s apex body for cultural policies—the award recognizes master practitioners of traditional arts, ensures the transmission of their skills, and fosters public appreciation for their contributions to Filipino identity.

The GAMABA logo features a stylized human figure inspired by patterns found in traditional Filipino textiles, symbolizing the interconnectedness of community and creativity. Beneath it, the words “Manlilikha ng Bayan” are inscribed in Baybayin, an ancient script used widely before Spanish colonization, reflecting a deep connection to pre-colonial heritage. This design underscores the award’s mission to celebrate artistry rooted in indigenous traditions.

Ginaw Bilog

January 3, 1953 - June 3, 2003
Ginaw Bilog, a Hanunuo Mangyan from Oriental Mindoro, was honored as a National Living Treasure of the Philippines for his dedication to safeguarding the traditional Mangyan poetry form, the ambahan.

Masino Intaray

April 10, 1943 - November 30, 2013
Masino Intaray, a highly regarded Palawan artist, excelled in poetry, music, and storytelling, preserving the island's cultural heritage through performances of traditional forms like the basal, kulilal, and bagit. He was honored as a National Living Treasure of the Philippines.

Samaon Sulaiman

March 3, 1953 - May 21, 2011
A master of the kutyapi, Samaon Sulaiman, a Maguindanaon musician, was honored as a National Living Treasure of the Philippines. He began learning the traditional instrument from his uncle at the age of 13.

First conferred in 1993 to three trailblazers in music and poetry, the award traces its origins to the 1988 National Folk Artists Award by the Rotary Club of Makati-Ayala. This precursor highlighted the need to institutionalize recognition for folk artists, culminating in GAMABA’s formal establishment. By honoring individuals like poet-singers and master weavers, the award illuminates traditions that shape the Philippines’ diverse cultural tapestry, offering insights into practices that define communal and national identity.

As defined by RA 7355, a Manlilikha ng Bayan is a Filipino citizen whose mastery of a unique traditional art form—whether weaving, dance, music, or oral traditions—demonstrates unparalleled technical and artistic skill. Their craft must not only reflect centuries-old practices but also thrive within their community, passed down to successors who maintain its authenticity and excellence. Examples include the intricate habi (weaving) of the T’boli or the epic chants of the Hudhud.

GAMABA awardees embody living bridges between past and present, safeguarding traditions that might otherwise fade. Their work enriches the national narrative, reminding Filipinos of the creativity and resilience embedded in their heritage. By celebrating these artists, the award fosters pride in cultural roots and inspires future generations to embrace their identity, ensuring that these traditions endure as vibrant expressions of Filipino life.

In essence, GAMABA is more than an accolade—it is a commitment to preserving the soul of the Philippines, one masterpiece at a time.

How does one become a GAMABA artist?

To become a Manlilikha ng Bayan, an individual or group candidate must:

Possess a mastery of tools and materials needed for the traditional, folk art and be a maker of works of extraordinary technical quality;
Have consistently produced works of superior quality over significant period;
Have engaged in a traditional and folk art which has been in existence and documented for at least fifty (50) years;
Command respect and inspire admiration of the country with his character and integrity;
Must have transferred and/or willing to transfer to other members of the community the skills in the traditional and folk arts for which the community has become nationally known.
However, a candidate who, due to age or infirmity, has left him/her/them incapable of teaching further his/her/their craft, may still be recognized provided that he/she/they must possess the qualifications as enumerated above.

What are the benefits and privileges of an awardee?

For the individual awardee:

1. The rank and title of Manlilikha ng Bayan, as proclaimed by the President of the Philippines in accordance with Executive Order No. 236 or Honors Code of the Philippines;
2. The GAMABA gold-plated medallion minted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and citation;
3. A lifetime emolument and materials and physical benefits comparable in value to those received by the highest officers of the land such as:
  - A minimum cash award of Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 200,000.00), net of taxes.
  - A minimum lifetime personal monthly stipend of Fifty Thousand Pesos (Php 50,000.00).
  - Medical and hospitalization benefits not exceeding Php 750,000.00 per year.
4. A state funeral, the arrangements for and the expenses of which shall be borne by the Government, upon the death of the Manlilikha ng Bayan; and
5. A place of honor, in line with protocol precedence, in state functions, national commemoration ceremonies and all other cultural presentations.

For the group awardee:

1. The rank and title of Manlilikha ng Bayan, as proclaimed by the President of the Philippines in accordance with Executive Order No. 236 or Honors Code of the Philippines;
2. The GAMABA plaque for the group;
3. A one-time award of Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 200,000.00), net of taxes;
4. The group shall designate its leader who will represent and attend events and functions on behalf of the group. The said representative will also have a place of honor, in line with protocol precedence, in state functions, national commemoration ceremonies and all other cultural presentations.