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

WHEREAS, Republic Act (RA) No. 7355 provides for the recognition of "National Living Treasures", otherwise known as the "Manlilikha 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, Yabing Masalon Dulo, a B'laan ikat weaver from Mount Matutum, Polomolok, South Cotabato, is recognized for her commitment to the safeguarding and promotion of the B'laan mabal tabih (ikat weaving) tradition;

WHEREAS, Ambalang Ausalin, a Yakan tapestry weaver from Lamitan, Basilan, is recognized for her commitment to the safeguarding and promotion of the Yakan tennun (tapestry weaving) tradition;

WHEREAS, Estelita Tumandan Bantilan, a B'laan mat weaver from Malapatan, Sarangani, is recognized for her commitment to the safeguarding and promotion of the B'laan igem (mat weaving) tradition;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE, 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 YABING MASALON DULO, AMBALANG AUSALIN and ESTELITA TUMANDAN BANTILAN as Manlilikha ng Bayan for 2016.

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 6th day of January in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Seventeen.