MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has declared Dec.12, 2020 to Dec. 12, 2021 as the “Centennial Year of Manlillkha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure) Salinta Monon.”
Duterte on Jan. 15 signed Proclamation 1076, declaring December 2020 to December 2021 as a special year to honor Monon, a textile weaver from Tagabawa-Bagobo community in Davao del Sur province who was awarded the title of Manlilikha ng Bayan in 1998.
Duterte, in his proclamation, said the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), through the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Executive Council, had recommended the declaration of the Centennial Year of Salinta Monon.
The council’s proposal was in accordance with its mandate to “adopt and undertake measures to promote genuine appreciation among the Filipinos about the valuable and intangible cultural distinction of the Manlilikha ng Bayan,” according to the presidential proclamation.
Section 2 of Republic Act 7355 or the "Manlilikha ng Bayan Act” mandates the state to preserve and promote the country's traditional folk arts, whether visual, performing, or literary, for their cultural value.
The law also requires the state to honor and support traditional folk artists for their contribution to the national heritage by ensuring that their artistry is passed on to future generations of Filipinos.
Under Proclamation 1076, the NCCA is directed to lead the observance and celebration of the Centennial Year of Manlilikha ng Bayan Salinta Monon.
All other government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or - controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, are enjoined to participate in the implementation of the proclamation.
All local government units, relevant non-government organizations and civil society groups, and the private sector are likewise encouraged to participate and support the NCCA in the implementation of Proclamation 1076.
Through Proclamation 1188 inked on March 27, 1998 by then-president Fidel Ramos, Monon was declared Manlilikha ng Bayan for attaining the highest level of excellence in the art of abaca-ikat weaving.
Monon was also awarded the title of Manlilikha ng Bayan for her unwavering dedication and commitment to her craft by fully demonstrating the creative and expressive possibilities of abaca-ikat weaving at a time when such art was endangered. (PNA)
