On this day, January 6, 2017, three master weavers from Mindanao namely Ambalang Auhum Ausalin, Estelita Tumandan Bantilan, and Yabing Masalon Dulo were proclaimed Manlilikha ng Bayan for 2016 by the virtue of Proclamation No. 126 s. 2017.
Ambalang Auhum Ausalin (1943-2022) was a textile weaver from Parangbasak, Lamitan, Basilan, recognized for upholding and promotion of the Yakan tapestry weaving tradition; while Estelita Tumandan Bantilan is a mat weaver from Upper Lasang, Malapatan, Sarangani, recognized for the commitment to the safeguarding of Blaan Igem tradition. Yabing Masalon Dulo (1914-2021) was a textile weaver from Landan, Polomolok, South Cotabato, recognized for her unwavering devotion to keeping the Blaan Mabal Tabih tradition alive.
The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan recognizes the importance of traditional and folk artists as conduits between the skills of the past and future generations. To date, Vilma Ausalin, daughter and successor of Manlilikha ng Bayan Ambalang Ausalin, continues the Yakan tennun weaving tradition, while Manlilikha ng Bayan Yabing Masalon Dulo is survived by her daughter, Lamina Dulo Gulili, furthering the legacy of her mother.
Manlilikha ng Bayan Estelita Bantilan passes on the Blaan Igem tradition by training the younger generation of Blaan mat weavers in her community with the assistance of her daughter, Lorcita Manggay, at the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Cultural Center in Malapatan, Sarangani.
1812
On this day in 1812, Melchora Aquino de Ramos was born in Banilad, Caloocan.
January is Zero Waste Month (Proclamation No. 760, s. 2014).
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