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, Teofilo Callos Garcia Of Abra Has Contributed To The Preservation Of The Native Headgear Known As The Tabungaw By Keeping The Tradition Alive In His Community;

WHEREAS, His Work Has Resulted In A Resurgence Of Interest In The Tabungaw And Enabled New Generations Of Filipinos Living Locally And Abroad To Discover Their Heritage Through Native Crafts; And

WHEREAS, His Involvement In Every Step In The Process Of Making The Native Headgear, From Planting The Gourds To Drying And Finishing The Headgear To Making The Intricate Designs That Give Them Their Distinctive Look, Serves As A Testament To The Industry And Ingenuity Of The Filipino Craftsman And Artist.

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 Teofilo Callos Garcia 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