Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 126)
Republic Act No. 7355 provides for the recognition of "National Living Treasures" or "Manlilikha ng Bayan," referring to citizens or groups engaged in traditional Filipino arts with high technical and artistic excellence.
The Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasures) are individuals or groups recognized for their skill in traditional Filipino arts that are unique and have reached a high level of technical and artistic excellence.
The recognition of Manlilikha ng Bayan is based on the Constitution's provision for State patronage of arts and letters.
Yabing Masalon Dulo, Ambalang Ausalin, and Estelita Tumandan Bantilan were declared Manlilikha ng Bayan for 2016.
Yabing Masalon Dulo is recognized for the B'laan ikat weaving tradition.
Ambalang Ausalin is recognized for the Yakan tapestry weaving (tennun) tradition.
Estelita Tumandan Bantilan is recognized for the B'laan igem mat weaving tradition.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) recommends individuals for the Manlilikha ng Bayan award.
The purpose is to recognize, safeguard, and promote traditional Filipino arts and the cultural heritage embodied by the outstanding practitioners.
The President of the Philippines has the authority, upon recommendation by the NCCA, to declare individuals as Manlilikha ng Bayan.