Marcos to youth: Help keep Filipino culture alive

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on all Filipinos, especially the youth, to take active responsibility in preserving the country’s cultural heritage, declaring it a national duty tied to the survival of the Filipino identity.

“Kilalanin natin at ipagmalaki natin ang sariling atin (Let us honor and be proud of our own),” Marcos said during the 2023 Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) Conferment Ceremony at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.

“Support the continuation of the priceless legacies that have been passed on to us by our cultural masters. 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.”

The event, held during National Heritage Month, recognized nine new National Living Treasures – Filipino traditional artists who have devoted their lives to keeping indigenous practices alive in their communities.

The honorees span the entire archipelago, from Ilocano oral poets in the north to T’boli weavers and Sama dancers in the south.

The GAMABA, created through Republic Act 7355, recognizes Filipino traditional artists who exemplify excellence and dedication to their craft. The law ensures the continuity of indigenous cultural traditions across generations.

GAMABA awardees Adelita Bagcal of Ilocos Norte and Rosie Sula of South Cotabato were honored for preserving oral tradition and chanting, keeping ancestral voices alive through storytelling passed from generation to generation.

Other GAMABA awardees, Abina Coguit of Agusan del Sur and Amparo Mabanag of Mountain Province, were recognized for their intricate embroidery and beadwork, which reflect deep cultural meanings tied to identity, spirituality, and community life.

The award was given to Marife Ganahon of Bukidnon, Samporonia Madanlo of Davao Oriental, and Barbara Ofong of South Cotabato for their mastery in weaving. Through native materials and detailed patterns, their work weaves the stories and spirit of their communities.

In traditional dance, Hadja Sakinur-ain Delasas of Tawi-Tawi was honored for her graceful movement, which powerfully expressed her people’s culture.

Finally, Bundos Fara of South Cotabato was recognized for his expertise in brass casting, using fire and metal to create enduring pieces that symbolize cultural pride and identity.

Marcos underscored that the preservation of culture is not just the work of artists or the state – it is a shared national responsibility.

The President issued the call as he reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to preserving indigenous culture and traditions amid rapid technological advances.

“Ang ating pagkakakilanlan bilang Pilipino ay hinubog ng mayamang kultura at tradisyong minana natin sa ating mga ninuno. Kayamanang ating iniingatan at ating ipapasa sa susunod na panahon (Our identity as Filipinos was shaped by the rich culture and traditions we inherited from our ancestors. These are treasures we safeguard and will pass on to future generations),” Marcos said.

The Chief Executive hailed the awardees as “living embodiments of our national heritage,” and as “carriers of tradition, artisans of age-old craft, gardens of indigenous knowledge” who prove that “culture, when deeply rooted and consciously preserved, can never be erased.”

The awardees will receive a commemorative medal, a PHP100,000 grant, and a PHP10,000 monthly stipend for life.

They will be entrusted with the responsibility to pass their knowledge to their communities and the future generations, promote their craft, and donate samples or copies of their work to the National Museum.

“Sa gitna ng makabagong mundo, kayo ang tinig ng ating pinagmulan (In the midst of a modern world, you are the voice of our roots),” Marcos told the awardees. (PNA)

(2025/05/07-08:59)