Legarda honors National Living Treasures, highlights GAMABA awardees in South Cotabato

Senator Loren Legarda, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Culture and the Arts, reaffirmed her commitment to cultural preservation as she visited South Cotabato on January 9–10, paying tribute to the province’s National Living Treasures recognized through the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA).

“South Cotabato, home to the most number of GAMABA awardees in the country, stands as a living testament to the richness of our cultural heritage. Meeting Bo’i Rosie Sula, whose voice carries the highest form of T’boli oral tradition, and honoring the legacy of Lang Dulay, reminded me of the responsibility we share to safeguard their artistry and ensure continuity across generations,” Legarda said.

During her visit, Legarda offered flowers at the shrine of the late Lang Dulay, conferred GAMABA in 1998 as the first “Dreamweaver” of T’nalak. She also witnessed a T’boli dance led by Dulay’s apo together with the youth of Lake Sebu, an intergenerational performance that reflected how cultural memory continues to be passed on.

Legarda likewise met Bo’i Rosie Godwino Sula, epic chantress of the Tudbulul, whose voice preserves the highest form of T’boli oral tradition and has earned respect both from her proud community and the academe. She also honored Barbara Kibed Ofong, proclaimed in 2023 for her mastery of sacred T’nalak patterns, and Datu Bundos Fara, the first brass caster to be recognized for his “Temwel” creations.

South Cotabato is also home to Fu Yabing Masalon Dulo, conferred GAMABA in 2016 for her mastery of the B’laan mabal tabih weaving tradition. In her honor, a cultural center was established in Polomolok to support the transfer of weaving knowledge to future generations.

“These National Living Treasures remind us that culture lives on through continuity. By supporting them, we strengthen the institutions that keep our heritage alive across time,” Legarda emphasized.
Legarda’s visit demonstrated her resolve to sustain indigenous artistry, empower communities, and ensure that the recognition for Manlilikha ng Bayan translates into stronger institutions and cultural heritage.

As of today, twenty five Filipinos have been conferred the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) award, recognized as National Living Treasures under the Manlilikha ng Bayan Act of 1992. This law institutionalized the National Living Treasures Award to honor artists who preserve and promote the country’s intangible cultural heritage.
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