- Time Period: Post-WW2 Period
- Year of Institution: 1992-93
- Country: Republic of The Philippines
The National Living Treasures Award, also known as the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA), is a recognition conferred by the Government of the Philippines upon individuals or groups of artists for their significant contributions to the nation’s intangible cultural heritage.
A recipient of this award, termed a National Living Treasure or Manlilikha ng Bayan, is described as “a Filipino citizen or group of Filipino citizens engaged in any traditional art uniquely Filipino, whose exceptional skills have attained a high level of technical and artistic excellence and have been transmitted to and widely practiced by present generations within their community with the same level of technical and artistic proficiency.”
The initiative began in 1988 with the establishment of the National Folk Artists Award by the Rotary Club of Makati-Ayala. However, this recognition ceased after 1992 when it was supplanted by the GAMABA Law. Notably, individuals recognized with the National Folk Artists Award from 1988 to 1992 are not formally acknowledged by the government, as the award was conferred by a private entity.
The National Living Treasures Award Eligibility
To qualify as a National Living Treasure, an individual must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Resides within an indigenous or traditional cultural community across the Philippines that has preserved its indigenous customs, beliefs, rituals, and traditions, or has amalgamated external influences while retaining its distinctiveness.
- Artistic Tradition: Engages in a folk art tradition that has a documented history of at least 50 years.
- Consistency: Demonstrates a consistent and prolonged commitment to producing works of exceptional and unique quality over a significant period.
- Mastery: Exhibits a high level of expertise in utilizing the necessary tools and materials for their craft and enjoys a recognized reputation as a master and creator of works of outstanding technical prowess.
- Transmission of Skills: Actively imparts, or intends to impart, their skills in the folk art to other members of the community, thereby ensuring the continuity of the community’s traditional art form.
