National Artist vs

National Artist vs. National Living Treasure

• A National Artist is a prestigious title conferred to individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts, such as literature, music, dance, theater, and visual arts.
• A National Living Treasure, also known as Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA), is a title given to Filipino folk artists who have made significant contributions to the country's cultural heritage.

Philippine Government's Response to Threatened Cultural Heritage

• In 1992, the Philippine government enacted Republic Act 7355 to address the threat to indigenous and tribal cultural and artistic heritage.

Search for Traditional Artists

• The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) conducts the search for the finest traditional artists of the land and adopts a program to ensure the transfer of their skills to others.

National Living Treasures Award

• The primary focus of the National Living Treasures Award or the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) is to recognize and preserve traditional Filipino arts and crafts.

Roles of NCCA and Traditional Artists

• The NCCA plays a crucial role in promoting and preserving traditional Filipino arts and crafts.
• National Living Treasures represent traditional Filipino arts such as weaving, pottery, and music, whereas National Artists represent a broader range of arts, including literature, music, dance, theater, and visual arts.