Palace declares centennial year for oldest Ilocana weaver

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has declared Aug. 13 this year up to Aug. 12, 2025 as the centennial year of Manlilikha ng Bayan or National Living Treasure Magdalena Gamayo, the oldest living Ilocano master weaver in the country.

The declaration, which seeks to recognize Gamayo’s contributions to Philippine heritage, was provided under Proclamation 664 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Monday by the authority of Marcos.

The proclamation directed the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to lead, coordinate and supervise the observance of the centennial year of Manlilikha ng Bayan Magdalena Gamayo as well as prepare programs, activities and projects for the celebration.

In a post on Facebook, the NCCA said the proclamation was in accordance with the state’s directive to safeguard, promote and disseminate the nation’s historical and cultural heritage as well as its artistic expressions.

Gamayo, who was recognized as Manlilikha ng Bayan through Proclamation 474 issued in 2012, was described by the NCCA as the “weaving virtuoso” from Ilocos Norte.

“Her significant contributions to the advancement of the Ilocano cloth abel are marked by her use of traditional patterns and her mastery of weaving techniques, which have greatly enriched the distinctiveness of her designs,” the NCCA said.

Marcos said the 2012 proclamation recognized Gamayo’s mastery in producing intricate designs and inventing her own patterns of the abel as well as her passion in keeping the traditional weaving industry alive.