The City Government of Malaybalay (CGM), through the City Administration Office and City Tourism Office, proudly participated in the Conferment Ceremony of the 2023 Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees, held on May 7, 2025, at the historic Metropolitan Theater in Manila City, Philippines.
The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan—also known as the National Living Treasures Award and institutionalized through Republic Act No. 7355—is the highest recognition conferred by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) on individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary skill and dedication in preserving the country’s traditional and folk arts.
Among this year’s distinguished awardees is MB Marife Ravidas Ganahon, a celebrated Higaonon mat weaver from Barangay Patpat, Malaybalay City.
She was honored for her exceptional mastery of ikam sodsod, a traditional mat woven from sodsod grass commonly found in rice fields.
Her artistry reflects the enduring cultural heritage and identity of the Higaonon people.
MB Ganahon’s unwavering dedication to preserving and passing on the Higaonon mat weaving tradition to younger generations is a powerful testament to her cultural commitment.
Her recognition as a 2023 GAMABA awardee brings immense pride not only to Barangay Patpat but to the entire city of Malaybalay.
The conferment ceremony was graced by the presence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who personally led the awarding of the prestigious National Living Treasures distinctions.
The President presented medals and plaques to the awardees, accompanied by their families, and extended his heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the nine (9) new GAMABA recipients.
The CGM extends its deepest appreciation to the NCCA for the invitation to witness this significant and historic event.
With great optimism, the city looks forward to nurturing more artists who may one day join the esteemed ranks of Manlilikha ng Bayan.
Narrative by: JIANY BON B. BAGIOHAN, City Tourism – NADA
Photos by: City Government of Malaybalay
