WHEREAS, the Constitution provides for State patronage of arts and letters;

WHEREAS, Republic Act (RA) No. 7355 provides for the recognition of œNational Living Treasures,  otherwise known as the œManlilikha ng Bayan,  referring to a citizen or a group of citizens engaged in any traditional art that is uniquely Filipino and whose distinctive skills have reached a high level of technical and artistic excellence;

WHEREAS, Magdalena Galinato Gamayo of Pinili, Ilocos Norte has contributed to the development of the Ilocano abel by using traditional designs in her work as well as perfecting weaving techniques that further enhance the uniqueness of these designs;

WHEREAS, she has passionately taught the art of abel weaving and traditional designs to her community, thus helping others identify with their traditional culture through weaving; and

WHEREAS, her work enables generations of Filipinos to learn, exchange, and grow as a community through the art of abel making.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, and upon the recommendation of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and pursuant to RA 7355, do hereby declare Magdalena Galinato Gamayo as Manlilikha ng Bayan for 2012.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

DONE, in the City of Manila, this 13th of September, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Twelve.

 

(SGD.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
President of the Philippines

By Authority of the President:

(SGD.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR.
Executive Secretary