Marcos hails 9 artists’ excellence as ‘Manlilikha ng Bayan’

President Marcos has declared nine Filipino artists as “Manlilikha ng Bayan for 2023” for their distinctive skills, which reached a high level of technical and artistic excellence.

Marcos made the declaration through Proclamation No. 427 signed on his behalf by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Dec. 15.

In the two-page document, the President identified the nine “Manlilikha ng Bayan for 2023” as Adelita Romualdo Bagcal, Abina Tawide Coguit, Sakinur-ain Mugong Delasas, Bundos Bansil Fara, Marife Ravidas Ganahon, Amparo Balansi Mabanag, Samporonia Pagsac Madanlo, Barbara Kibed Ofong and Rosie Godwino Sula.

Bagcal, master of Oral Traditions from Banna, Ilocos Norte; and Coguit, embroiderer from La Paz, Agusan del Sur, were recognized for safeguarding and promoting the Dallot and other Ilocano oral traditions, and the Agusan Manobo suyam (embroidery) tradition, respectively.

Delasas, Sama master of traditional dance from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi and Fara, T’boli brasscaster from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, were also recognized for commitment to safeguard and promote Sama igal (dance) tradition and the T’boli temwel (brasscasting) tradition, respectively.

Ganahon, a Higaonon mat weaver from Malaybalay, Bukidnon was hailed for her contribution to Higaonon ikam (mat weaving) tradition.

Mabanag, Ga’dang embroider from Paracelis, Mountain Province, and Madanlo, a Mandaya ikat weaver from Caraga, Davao Oriental, were recognized for safeguarding and promoting Ga’dang manu’bak and ameru (breadworks and embroidery) traditions; and the Mandaya dagmay (ikat weaving) tradition, respectively.

Ofong, T’boli ikat weaver from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, and Sula, T’boli chanter from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, were recognized for their commitment to safeguarding and promoting the T’boli t’nalak (ikat weaving) tradition and the T’boli lingon (chanting) tradition, respectively.