What is a National Living Treasure?
Updated: Nov 5, 2021
A person can be called a National Living Treasure or “Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan” if he/she preserved some of the Philippines’ most important indigenous traditions. They are selected by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and one must possess a dedication to craftsmanship, excellence, and the ability to pass down their craft to the youth.
Other than the dedication, one must also possess technical, creative skills with ties to community and folk art traditions, and admiration of their people.
The Abrenian Kawayan Festival in Bangued, not just from any other craftsman but a master of this difficult and demanding craft, from Teofilo Garcia himself, an awarded National Living Treasure (2012) for gourd hat making.
Teofilo Garcia, 74, has learned making the tabungaw from his grandfather when he was still 15 years old. Whenever he goes out, he often wears his tabungaw to the curiosity of other people who often ask then order from him. Over the years, he has mastered and innovated his craft to the point of being recognized nationally.
He mentioned that before, tabungaw makers were also present in several towns in the Ilocos, both Norte and Sur, but like most traditions, and the advent of cheaper, mass produced products, the craft of the tabungaw has silently waned until, possibly, Mr. Garcia is the last one.
First and foremost, he is a farmer who has eked a living planting rice and tobacco and has sent his five children to school. In between harvests, he plants upo where he sources out his tabungaw.
Its a tedious process. After harvesting, the upos are cut and the insides cleared. The upper part goes into the tabungaw making while the base he processes and sells as a shallow pan used to hold just anything, but especially in the kitchen or dining area.
From a hard working farmer to a National Living Treasure, he continues to practice his craft and hopefully, continue the tradition with his new students.
댓글