LAOAG CITY: All roads leading to the quaint village of Lumbaan-Bicbica in Pinili, Ilocos Norte are now being cleaned up to anticipate a throng of visitors during the 100th birthday celebration of national living treasure Magdalena Gamayo on August 13.
Gamayo, known as Lola (grandmother) Dalen, received in 2012 the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Award by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for her contribution in preserving the Ilocano-style of weaving textiles called inabel.
To mark her natal day, at least 100 young trainees mostly from Pinili town are expected to graduate from an 80-hour basic and advanced level weaving training, the first batch of which, composed of 16 learners from the Sacritan Integrated School-Pinili, started in January.
The graduates will get certificates of completion from the NCCA during the culmination program while wearing their inabel turned into sablay that will be awarded and worn by each trainee.
‘Over 100 learners are expected to graduate this month,’ said
Dr. Edwin Antonio, head of NCCA’s national committee for Northern Luzon and program training director for abel weaving.
Antonio said NCCA, in collaboration with local government units and the Department of Education, continues to invest in training the youth and pass on this cultural treasure.
Earlier this week, Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Angelo Barba also introduced House Resolution No. 1859 to honor and recognize Gamayo’s legacy.
‘It is with pride and honor that we celebrate and recognise the life and works of Nana Magdalena Gamayo to further inspire the younger generation,’ the resolution reads.
Through the initiatives of Barba, the provincial government, and the Department of Public Works and Highways, an inabel weaving center is now built next to Gamayo’s old house in Pinili.
Gamayo donated a portion of her family-owned lot for the building, which has become an added attraction to tourists, particularly those who are arts and textile enthusiasts.
Source : Philippines News agency
