Gawad Sa Manlilikha Ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardee of 2004, Darhata Sawabi, embodies the heritage of a maestro and renowned textile weaver from the town of Tausug-Parang Jolo, Sulu.
Darhata Sawabi is a maestro and renowned textile weaver from the town of Tausug-Parang Jolo, Sulu. Her work of art represents the resilience and hope of every Tausug. Weaving is her only source of income. The money she earns from making colorful clothes has enabled her to become self-sufficient and less dependent on her relatives. By age 48, she employs the help of apprentice weavers and children in her work.
Darhata Sawabi’s determination and insistence played a crucial role in the significance of preserving the beautiful rich cultural heritage, and diverse artistic traditions of Bangsomoro and its people. Despite the conflict, she remains steadfast in her commitment to her craft and preservation of the cultural identity of Tausug. Darhata Sawabi’s passion and love for Pis Syabit weaving touched the hearts of the people coming from outside the province.
Darhata Sawabi is nationally recognized as an artist by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) or National Living Treasures Award. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts is the highest policy-making and coordinating body for culture and the arts of the Philippines. The NCCA aims to maintain the preservation, and promotion of the nation’s traditional folk arts.
GAMABA is an award presented to a person or group of people who have proven excellence in their craft or art. They may also be sharing their talents and skills with people in their community to preserve the art form for future generations. The purpose of the GAMABA award is to give honor and pride to those traditional folk artists and to preserve their works, skills, and crafts contributions to the art culture of the Philippines. The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA uses the phrase ‘Manlilikha ng Bayan” written in Baybayin, an ancient Filipino script used in the Philippines in the 16th century.
GAMABA awardees are given:
A specially designed gold medallion.
An initial grant of Php 100,000.00 and Php 14,000.00 monthly stipend for life.
A maximum cumulative amount of P750,000 medical and hospitalization benefits annually like that received by the National Artists and funeral assistance/tribute fit for a National Living Treasure.
Sadly, Darhata Sawabi passed away in March 2005 from a lingering illness.
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