ILOCOS NORTE, Philippines – Banners were displayed across Ilocos Norte on Tuesday, August 13, as Ilocanos celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of national living treasure and Ilocano master weaver Magdalena Gamayo.
Gamayo, fondly called Nana Dalen, is celebrated as the “oldest living Ilocano master weaver.”
Acknowledging her contributions, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared, through Proclamation No. 664 on August 12, that the period from August 13, 2024, to August 12, 2025, be observed as the Centennial Year of Manlilikha ng Bayan Magdalena Gamayo.
In 2012, Nana Dalen was conferred the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan institutionalized through Republic Act No. 7355. It is the highest award given by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to the finest traditional artists of the country, bearing the same order as national artist or national scientist.
Having worked with the craft for over 80 years, Nana Dalen exemplified the best of the Filipino abel weaving tradition, which she began learning at the age of 16.
“She was never formally taught but picked up the art on her own by copying the patterns and the weaves of her aunt,” the NCCA said.
Gamayo had her first loom at the age of 19 which was bought by her father.
“Her first loom lasted her at least 30 years, sustaining her through years of marriage and motherhood,” the NCCA added.
In a statement, the NCCA said Nana Dalen’s birth celebration was marked by a “series of events and program through her centennial year.”
Marcos also ordered all government offices to “render the necessary support and assistance to the NCCA, and to actively participate in the observance of the Centennial Year of Manlilikha ng Bayan Magdalena Gamayo.”
On the eve of Nana Dalen’s birthday, the local government of Pinili, where she hails, organized a birthday celebration marked by traditional Ilokano music and a display of her best works, the provincial government said.
A film-making competition, a documentary screening about Nana Dalen’s life, a design competition, and a weaving demonstration, have also been lined up earlier to mark the celebration.
Preservation
Despite the frailties that came with her age, Nana Dalen initiated the holding of “panag-abel” lessons for the younger ones, hoping that the traditional craft would be carried on by succeeding generations.
In 2022, the NCCA and the Department of Education (DepEd) in Ilocos Norte partnered to integrate the teaching of panag-abel in the curriculum implementation of schools in the province.
Ensuring that the tradition of “inabel” weaving will continue in the years to come, Nana Dalen and her family also donated to the government in 2022 a portion of the lot next to her home in Lumbaan village in Pinili town.
A weaving center was subsequently built on this donated lot which has become a learning and exhibit center for abel products in the province.
Nana Dalen’s artistry has “transcended the loom, becoming a symbol of the resilience, creativity, and dedication that define our people,” the provincial government said in a statement on Tuesday.. – Rappler.com