Senate nominates Whang-Od for GAMABA

Whang-od tattooing on June 30, 2016 (Photo By Mawg64 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Recognizing her artistry and representation and preservation of the country’s rich culture, the upper chamber adopted a resolution nominating traditional tattoo artist Whang-Od Oggay for the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) or the National Living Treasures Award.

Senate Resolution No. 2 and Senate Resolution No. 538, introduced by Senators Nancy Binay and Sonny Angara respectively, wrote that Whang-Od is the only surviving Kalinga ‘mambabatok’ or a master tattoo artist of ‘batek.’

According to the resolution, the batek is a traditional body art “distinctively known for its symmetric and intricate designs that detail the valor and bravery of ancient tribal warriors, and is customarily applied through a hand-tapped pricking method using intrinsic instruments such as Carabao horns and fruit thorns.”

“The batek survived centuries of foreign influences. The traditional Filipino tattoo art must not disappear and turn extinct due to mere negligence to preserve a significant feature of Philippine culture and identity,” it read.

The resolution also highlighted Whang-Od’s importance as she is the living “continuity” of the batek since she is the last living mambabatok. It further read that this is why “immediate action” must be done to preserve this thousands year old tradition especially at her “advanced age.

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“Bestowing Whang-Od the GAMABA or the National Living Treasures Award does not only recognize the beauty and grace of the ancient art of tattooing, but also ensures that such Filipino heritage will survive and continue to exist, her contribution to her native craft, as well as the rarity of her situation, should not go unrecognized, and warrants nomination from this august body,” the female senator said.

While Angara said, “Whang-Od Oggay was renowned for her batek which she started practicing since her childhood years. She tattooed countless warriors and head-hunters of her tribe that has now garnered both local and international recognition and reverence.

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The GAMABA or the National Living Treasures Award through Republic Act No. 7355 was institutionalized in April 1992, recognizing folk artists.

An awardee will be granted a P10,000 monthly for life and initial grant of P100,000.