By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In his speech at the 2023 Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awarding ceremony held at Manila Metropolitan Theater on Wednesday, May 8, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has promised to facilitate further government efforts towards preserving indigenous culture and traditions amid rapid technological advances.
As such, the Chief Executive has directed the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to amplify the implementation of programs that promote and foster development of Philippine culture and the arts by virtue of Republic Act No. 7356.
“Sa ating mga Manlilikha ng Bayan, maraming salamat po sa pagtuturo ng kahalagahan ng ating katutubong kultura. Sa gitna ng makabagong mundo, kayo ang tinig ng ating pinagmulan,” President Marcos said.
“May today’s ceremony serve as a powerful reminder of our collective duty to protect, to preserve, and to pass on the cultural treasures entrusted to us.” the President added.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive also rallied the youth to take pride in Filipino culture and heritage, which is a source of national pride and a key factor in the country’s future success.
He placed emphasis on the younger generation of Filipinos as the ones who shall carry on the national heritage from the forebearers of our nation, thus encouraging them to take an active role in safeguarding the country’s identity.
“Kasabay ng pangakong ito ay panawagan ko sa lahat ng Pilipino—lalong-lalo na sa ating mga kabataan—kilalanin natin at ipagmalaki natin ang sariling atin,” the President said.
President Marcos’ pronouncements come at the heels of the conferment of GAMABA to nine traditional artists who have excelled in oral tradition, embroidery, weaving, dance, and brass casting.
GAMABA honors are bestowed on exceptional individuals who devote their lives to preserving Filipino traditions and indigenous cultural practices, which are essential to preserving the national identity across generations.
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