gamaba awardees

A Hanunoo Mangyan poet from Mindoro, was a 1993 National Living Treasure recognized for preserving Ambahan, a seven-syllable poetic form written in Surat Mangyan script. He recorded ambahans on bamboo and notebooks, safeguarding his people's literary heritage. His dedication ensured the survival of this ancient oral tradition, keeping Mangyan culture alive for future generations.

• Ginaw Bilog

• Lang Dulay

• Alonzo Saclag

• Darhata Sawabi

 A Palawan musician, poet, and storyteller, was a 1993 National Living Treasure. A master of the basal (gong ensemble), kulilal (lyrical love songs), and bagit (instrumental nature music), he preserved his people's oral traditions. Renowned for his epic chants, he embodied the Palawan spirit of harmony, storytelling, and communal sharing through music and poetry

• Lang Dulay

• Federico Caballero

• Masino Intaray

• Salinta Monon

A 1993 National Living Treasure, was a Magindanao musician and master of the kutyapi (two-stringed lute). Renowned for his intricate and expressive playing, he preserved traditional dinaladay, linapu, and binalig styles. Also skilled in other instruments, he influenced generations of musicians while serving as a barber and Imam in Libutan, Maguindanao.

• Ginaw Bilog

• Samaon Sulaiman

• Uwang Ahadas

• Alonzo Saclag

a Tboli weaver from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, masterfully creates tnalak cloth using abaca fibers. She preserves her people's traditions through intricate designs that tell stories of nature and heritage. Despite the commercialization of tnalak, she remains committed to traditional weaving methods. Lang Dulay learned the craft at 12 and hopes to pass it on to future generations. Honored as a Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan awardee, she dreams of establishing a school to keep Tboli weaving alive.

• Samaon Sulaiman

• Salinta Monon

• Uwang Ahadas

• Lang Dulay

a master Bagobo weaver, learned the craft from her mother at 12 and dedicated her life to preserving traditional textile-making. Despite raising six children and managing a farm after her husband's death, she continued weaving, earning recognition for her intricate designs, especially the binuwaya (crocodile) pattern. With abaca becoming scarce, she and her family now cultivate their own plants. Though modern fabrics have replaced traditional wear, she remains committed to teaching young Bagobo women, ensuring that their weaving heritage endures.

• Salinta Monon

• Samaon Sulaiman

• Darhata Sawabi

• Haja Amina Appi

a Kalinga master of dance and performing arts, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Kalinga culture. Self-taught in music and dance, he formed the Kalinga Budong Dance Troupe to pass on traditional knowledge. He also advocates for the preservation of Kalinga artifacts, successfully lobbying for the establishment of a museum. Saclag dreams of building a Kalinga cultural village and continues to educate the younger generation despite challenges. His lifelong mission is to safeguard Kalinga heritage for future generations.

• Masino Intaray

• Federico Caballero

• Alonzo Saclag

• Eduardo Mutuc

a National Living Treasure from the Sulod-Bukidnon community in Iloilo, works to document and preserve his people's nearly lost oral traditions, including ten ancient epics. Inspired by his elders, he mastered these epics and collaborates with scholars to record them.

As a manughusay (arbiter), he resolves community disputes through dialogue rather than legal battles. Despite challenges, his efforts have revived pride in Panay-Bukidnon heritage. Recognized for his dedication, he continues to safeguard and promote his people’s cultural identity.

• Uwang Ahadas

• Federico Caballero

• Teofilo Garcia

• Bundos Bansil Fara

 a National Living Treasure from Basilan, is a master of Yakan traditional music. Despite losing his eyesight as a child, he devoted his life to preserving and teaching Yakan instruments like the kwintangan kayu, gabbang, and agung. His passion for music defied tradition, mastering both men's and women's instruments. He tirelessly trains young musicians, ensuring the continuity of Yakan musical heritage. His brother is helping document his teaching methods for future generations. Though his eyesight limits his mobility, he remains committed to his mission, keeping the ancestral music of Basilan alive through education and cultural advocacy.

• Samaon Sulaiman

• Masino Intaray

• Teofilo Garcia

• Uwang Ahadas

Uwang Ahadas, a National Living Treasure from Basilan, is a master of Yakan traditional music. Despite losing his eyesight as a child, he devoted his life to preserving and teaching Yakan instruments like

• kwintangan kayu

• basal

•  gabbang

• agung

• kulilal

a National Living Treasure from Sulu, was a master weaver of pis syabit, the traditional Tausug tapestry. Despite hardships, including war displacement and financial struggles, she remained dedicated to her craft, producing intricate designs known for their bold colors and precision. Weaving was her sole livelihood, allowing her independence and preserving Tausug traditions. She passed on her skills to younger generations, ensuring the continuity of this art. Her resilience and commitment kept pis syabit alive, inspiring future weavers. She passed away in 2005, but her legacy continues through her students and the cultural heritage she safeguarded.

• Darhata Sawabi

• Salinta Monon

• Lang Dulay

• Magdalena Gamayo