Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 427)
The legal basis is Republic Act No. 7355 and Section 15, Article XIV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which mandates the State to conserve, promote, and popularize the nation's historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations.
Manlilikha ng Bayan refers 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.
The President of the Philippines, by virtue of powers vested by law and upon recommendation of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), has the authority to declare individuals as Manlilikha ng Bayan.
The NCCA recommends qualified individuals to the President for declaration as Manlilikha ng Bayan.
Three traditional arts recognized are Dallot and other Ilocano oral traditions, T'boli temwel (brasscasting), and Mandaya dagmay (ikat weaving).
It officially recognizes and honors individuals who exemplify the highest level of craftsmanship in traditional Filipino arts, thereby conserving, promoting, and popularizing the nation's intangible cultural heritage.
An individual must be a citizen engaged in a traditional Filipino art and their distinctive skills must have reached a high level of technical and artistic excellence.
Adelita Romualdo Bagcal is recognized for her commitment to safeguarding and promoting the Dallot and other Ilocano oral traditions.
Lucas P. Bersamin signed the proclamation as the Executive Secretary.
Section 15, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution supports the patronage of arts and letters by the State.