The recipients of the National Living Treasures Award. Anna Cerezo, ABS-CBN News

Nine bearers of Philippine cultural heritage were officially conferred the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA), or National Living Treasures Award, during a ceremonial event held at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on Wednesday.

The awardees were first recognized by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in 2023 and have now formally received the country's highest honor for traditional arts.

"They are the living embodiments of our national heritage and pillars of our cultural identity. Kasama sa pagkilala sa ating mga katutubong manlilikha, binibigyang-pugay natin ang walang kapantay nilang kontribyuson sa ating pagkakakilanlan," the President said in his closing remarks.

The GAMABA is the most prestigious distinction bestowed by the Philippine government on individuals or groups who have shown exceptional mastery and unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting traditional Filipino art forms.

"From the mountains of northern Luzon to the southern island of Mindanao, our awardees are carriers of tradition, artisans of old craft, and guardians of indigenous knowledge that stood the test of time," Marcos said.

This is the first time in GAMABA's history that nine awardees are honored in a single conferment, marking the highest number of recipients in a single year.

"Ang manlilikha ng bayan ay hindi lamang tagapagmana ng alaala. Sila rin ang mga guro, gabay, at tagapagtanggol ng mga paniniwala at praktis na nag-uugat sa ating katutubong kultura. Sa kanilang walang-sawang pagtuturo, binubuhay nila ang kolektibang alaala ng ating ninuno at pinapalalim pa nila ang ating pagka-Pilipino," said National Commission for Culture and the Arts executive director Eric B. Zerrudo.

Below are the awardees:

Adelita Romualdo Bagcal

Manlilikha ng Bayan Para sa Dallot at Tradisyung Pasalita ng Iloko

Banna, Ilocos Norte

Abina Tawide Coguit

Manlilikhang Bayan Para sa Suyam ng Agusan Manobo

La Paz, Agusan del Sur

Hadja Sakinur-Ain Mugong Delasas

Manlilikha ng Bayan Para sa Igal ng Sama

Bongao, Tawi-Tawi

Bundos Bansil Fara

Manlilikha ng Bayan Para sa Kadalubhasaan sa Temwel ng T’boli

Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

Marife Ravidas Ganahon

Manlilikha ng Bayan Para sa Ikam ng Higaonon

Malaybalay, Bukidnon

Amparo Balansi Mabanag

Manlilikha ng Bayan Para sa Manu'bak at Ameru ng Ga'dang

Paracelis, Mountain Province

Samporonia Pagsac Madanlo

Manlilikha ng Bayan Para sa Paghahabi ng Dagmay ng Mandaya

Caraga, Davao Oriental

Barbara Kibed Ofong

Manlilikha ng Bayan Para sa Paghahabi ng T'nalak ng T’boli

Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

Rosie Godwino Sula

Manlilikha ng Bayan Para sa Tagulaylay ng T'boli

Lake Sebu, South Cotabato