Marcos declares Aug. 13 start of centennial for Magdalena Gamayo

Master weaver Magdalena Gamayo

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared August 13, 2024 to August 12, 2025 as the centennial year for master weaver Magdalena Gamayo.

Gamayo, a national living treasure and a Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardee is best known for her mastery in producing intricate designs and inventing her own patterns of Ilocano Abel, and her passion in keeping the traditional weaving industry alive.

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She is set to celebrate her 100th birthday on August 13.

Because of this, in  issuing Proclamation No. 664 on Monday, Marcos declared the period from August 13, 2024 to August 12, 2025 as the “Centennial Year of Manlilikha ng Bayan Magdalena Gamayo.”

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“For this purpose, the NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts) is hereby directed to lead, coordinate, and supervise the observance of the Centennial Year of Manlilikha ng Bayan Magdalena Gamayo, and identify programs, activities and projects for the celebration thereof,” the proclamation read.

“All agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, are hereby enjoined, and all local government units, non-government organizations, as well as the private sector, are hereby encouraged, to render the necessary support and assistance to the NCCA, and to actively participate in the observance of the Centennial Year of Manlilikha ng Bayan Magdalena Gamayo,” it added.