THE CONTEMPORARY

IN TRADITIONAL
ART:
GAWAD SA M A N L I L I K H A
NG BAYAN ( G AM A B A )
What is the GAMABA
-Garcia has been Manlilikha ng Bayan
(“one who creates for the country”) or
National Living Treasure.
12 individuals have received this
distinction. From 1992-2012
(Republic Act No. 7355)
The National Commission for Culture
and the Arts (NCCA) give the highest
awards for culture and arts, including
the National Artist Award.

The said award and the GAMABA

recognize the outstanding work of
artists in the Philippines.
Traditional art is based on indigenous
people’s culture that are largely honed
by oral tradition.

A distinct feature of the GAMABA is

its emphasis on intangible and
communal aspects of art production.
Who are the GAMABA awardees?

Form Manlilikha ng Bayan Expertise

Weaving Lang Dulay tinalak weaving

inabal
Salinta Monon
weaving
pis siyabit weaving
Darhata Sawabi Haja mat weaving
Amina Appi inabal
Who are the GAMABA awardees?

Form Manlilikha ng Bayan

Expertise

Literature Ginaw Bilog surat

mangyan and
ambahan poetry
And Masino Intaray lyrical poems, (kulilal,
basal,
Performing and bangit) and playing
their
Arts accompanying
instruments;
epic chanting and
Samaon Sulaiman
Alonzo Saclag
Federico Caballero
Uwang Ahadas
Who are the GAMABA awardees?

Form Manlilikha ng Bayan

Plastic Arts Eduardo Mutuc

Teofilo Garcia
The Production Process and the changing
environment

1. Tourism- land areas are converted into sites for

tourist consumption, ecological domains become
more susceptible to damage with the combined
forces of natural disasters and tourist mobility.
Dances and rituals are staged for an external
audience rather than for the community’s
2. Mining and infrastructure projects- The construction
of dams and the establishment of oil and mining
companies evict people from their dwellings and
severely damage the environment. Deprived of the
bounty of land, indigenous groups are prompted to
seek short-term employment from these industries in
order to make ends meet in a money economy.
3. Militarization- The insecurity and tensions
brought about by militarized zones arrest the
people’s ability to create art. It prevents people
from having communal gatherings, where
exchanges and passing of knowledge can take
place.
4. Christianization- The influence of Christianity and
the conversion of the natives to foreign religion have
caused members of he community to forsake their
indigenous rituals and traditions.