Manila: The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has recognized 14 previous awardees of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA): The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) administers the GAMABA, which recognizes the talent of individuals or groups of traditional and folk artists whose knowledge and abilities continue to thrive in their communities across generations.

According to Philippines News Agency, TESDA's partnership with the NCCA and other cultural advocates aims to promote traditional craftsmanship as a living skill that contributes to both cultural preservation and sustainable livelihoods, stated TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez in a statement on Friday. The awardees received a plaque from TESDA in a ceremony in Taguig City on Thursday.

"TESDA provides such recognition because the agency would like to institutionalize, document, standardize, and even certify the competency of our cultural masters and bearers," explained TESDA Public Information Office executive director Floramel Joy Songsong to the Philippine News Agency on Friday. The 14 awardees were GAMABA awardees from different years, she clarified.

The awardees include Magdalena Gamayo (Ilocano textile weaving), Adelita Romualdo Bagcal (Ilocano oral traditions), Alonzo Saclag (music and dance), Teofilo Garcia ('tabungaw' making), Amparo Balansi Mabanag (beadwork and embroidery), Eduardo Mutuc (metalsmithing or 'pukpuk'), Estelita Bantilan (Blaan mat weaving), Abina Tawide Coguit (Agusan Manobo embroidery), Barbara Kibed Ofong (Tboli textile weaving), Bundos Bansil Fara (T'boli brass casting), Rosie Godwino Sula (T'boli epic chanting), Samporonia Pagsac Madanlo (Mandaya textile weaving), Marife Ravidas Ganahon (Higaonon mat weaving), and Hadja Sakinur-ain Mugong Delasas (Igal dance).

According to TESDA, the recognition forms part of the agency's efforts to highlight the link between culture, heritage, and skills development as pillars of national identity and inclusive growth. Songsong mentioned that TESDA currently offers the Handloom Weaving course.

"Eventually, with the knowledge transfer and documentation of their competencies/skills, we'll be able to populate our roster of training regulations and standards," Songsong added.

A dialogue between TESDA and NCCA officials was also held on Thursday to discuss ways on how to integrate traditional skills into training programs.