Why are there separate awards for individual expression --- the National Artist Award and

for communal expression --- the GAMABA? How do these two awards differ in terms of
expressions, places of production, and artistic merits valued? What does the award system
suggest about the challenge of defining artistic excellence on a national level?

There are separate awards for individual expression – the National Artist Award and for
communal expression – the GAMABA because each award is different from another. The
individual award represents the artist while communal expression is represented by a tribe or
group. In my own understanding, the National Artist Award is given to people who excels in
traditional art or field. On the other hand, the GAMABA is for people who came from an
indigenous community and who contribute pride and honor to our country’s cultural heritage. The
recipient of the National Artist Award’s place of production are way freer and more accessible
because there are no restrictions. They can do their artworks in their own preferred place or even
in public. Contrary to the places of production of GAMABA are usually in the artists’ homes. The
place of production in GAMABA’s are way more different from the National Artist Award
because there are so many things to consider in producing. One of these are the resources because
many lands are being converted to a commercial space. Secondly, the construction of different
structures nearby that tends the indigenous people to seek a short-time job to it. Third, the
militarization because it hinders the passing of knowledge from a person to another because there
are militarized zones that delay them from having gatherings. And last, the spread of Christianity
that make the indigenous group divided and abandon their original tradition and practices in doing
their products. In the same way, National Artist Awardee and GAMABA will receive a gold-plated
medallion from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, a monthly life pension, medical and
hospitalization benefits, a state funeral, and burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani; a place of honor,
in line with protocolar precedence, at national state functions, and recognition at cultural events.
The said awards encourage every Filipino to their best in their own field. These national awards
bring encouragement to every Filipino artist because their skills and passion will be acknowledged
and recognize not only in our country but also internationally. I am also dreaming of receiving this
kind of award, an award that will give recognition in your large contribution and an outstanding
performance as an artist. These awards also give you an acknowledgement for having the highest
ideals in our nation and tremendous skill in representing our cultural heritage.

Reference

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