Three distinguished Tboli cultural masters from the Municipality of Lake Sebu: Bundos Bansil Fara for Tboli brasscasting; Barbara Kibed Ofong for Tboli textile weaving; and Rosie Godwino Sula for Tboli chanting, were recently honored as "Manlilikha ng Bayan," or National Living Treasures, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 427, series of 2023.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts-Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (NCCA-GAMABA) Executive Council Head, Commissioner Reden Ulo, stated that this recognition significantly contributes to the Tboli community. He believed that acknowledging these cultural masters not only enhances tourism promotion but also serves as a source of inspiration for all, aiding in the restoration of culture.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to our three cultural masters on this recognition. I hope that this will serve as an inspiration not only for the Tbolis and the region but also for the entire country. This recognition is a gift and a celebration of life, as it fosters a connection with the culture of the people and nature, as well as a bridge between the past and the future. GAMABA symbolizes this link between the past and the future," he said.

The list also featured other honorees, namely Adelita Romualdo Bagcal for Ilocano Oral Traditions; Abina Tawide Coguit for Agusan Manobo Embroidery; Haja Sakinur-ain Mugong Delasas for Sama Dance; Marife Ravidas Ganahon for Higaonon Mat Weaving; and Amparo Balansi Mabanag for Ga’dang Beadworks and Embroidery.

Ulo expressed the hope that the younger generation would look up to these three GAMABAs, prompting a cultural retrospection.

He also underscored the importance of community preparedness in light of this recognition, which extends from cultural workers to the local government, noting that this recognition brings a wealth of opportunities to the town.

Despite acknowledging a gap in local policy concerning cultural protection, he assured that they are actively lobbying for it and that progress is underway. With four GAMABAs now, including the late Master Weaver Lang Dulay, the Municipality of Lake Sebu can rightfully proclaim itself as the “Home of the Living Treasures.”

Moreover, the nine cultural masters underwent a rigorous selection process to get the award. Ulo said they embody the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Philippines with their exceptional skills and expertise, which form an integral part of the country's intangible cultural heritage.

Their recognition served as a significant reminder of the immense value of traditional art forms in shaping the identity and fostering the pride of the Filipino people.

Established through Republic Act No. 7355, the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan is the highest state recognition bestowed upon traditional and folk artists whose distinctive skills have achieved a remarkable level of technical and artistic excellence.

As spelled out under R.A. 7355, "Manlilikha ng Bayan shall mean a citizen or a group of citizens engaged in any traditional art uniquely Filipino, whose distinctive skills have reached such a high level of technical and artistic excellence and have been passed on to and widely practiced by the present generations in his/her community with the same degree of technical and artistic competence." (Genory Vanz Alfasain/Voice of the Youth Network)