Ilocos Norte celebrates living treasure’s 102nd b-day

LIVING TREASURE. Magdalena Gamayo, a Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Awardee of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in 2012, celebrates her 102nd birthday on Thursday (Aug. 13, 2026). The House of Representatives has approved House Bill 982, declaring Aug. 13 of each year as a special non-working holiday in Ilocos Norte to celebrate the birth of the icon, known for her commitment to preserving the Ilocano traditional handwoven fabric called “inabel.” (Lei Adriano)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

PINILI, Ilocos Norte—Ilocos Norte celebrated on August 13, 2026, the 102^nd birthday of Magdalena Gamayo, the province's revered “master weaver” and one of the country's most distinguished traditional artists, honoring a lifetime of dedication to preserving the centuries-old “inabel” weaving tradition.

Born on Aug. 13, 1924, in Pinili, Gamayo has spent decades mastering the intricate art of handloom weaving. The celebration was held in the quaint barangay of Lumbaan-Bicbica in Pinili, Ilocos Norte.

Her exceptional craftsmanship, patience, and dedication to traditional Ilokano designs earned her the recognition of National Living Treasure through the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) award in 2012.

On her 102^nd birthday, at least four Magdalena Gamayo scholars funded by the local government unit of Pinili were awarded scholarship grants. The grant was for deserving college students pursuing studies in culture, the arts, local heritage, community development, tourism, and other related fields.

“This is one of our ways to honor and express our gratitude to Nana Daleng and ensure that the weaving industry will be preserved from generation to generation,” Pinili Mayor Rommel Labasan said in an interview.

Her birthday celebration, attended by local officials and residents, goes beyond merely commemorating another year of life. It is also a celebration of Ilocos Norte's living cultural heritage and the generations of weavers who have kept the province's textile tradition alive.

In his message, Ilocos Norte 2^nd District Rep. Eugenio Angelo M. Barba thanked Gamayo for inspiring young artists and craftspeople. 

Her story, he said, demonstrates how a traditional craft practiced in a small community can become a source of pride for an entire province and a significant part of the nation's cultural heritage.

“Thank you, Nana Daleng, for your legacy and for inspiring the younger generations of weavers to ensure that this Ilocano cultural heritage remains an integral part of the Ilocano and national history,” Barba said.

At 102, Gamayo remains a powerful symbol of Ilokano cultural heritage. Her works displayed at the Pinili Inabel Center near her home demonstrate that traditional craftsmanship is not simply an art form but also a living expression of identity, history, and community.

Her weaving journey began at age 16. Guided by relatives and experienced weavers, she learned to prepare threads, operate the traditional handloom, and create her own intricate patterns characteristic of Ilokano textiles.

Over the years, she developed a reputation for producing finely woven Inabel known for its quality, precision, and distinctive traditional motifs, which have become popular here and abroad. Beyond producing textiles, Gamayo's greatest legacy lies in the knowledge she has passed on to younger generations.

Meanwhile, Barba expressed hope that House Bill 892, declaring August 13 of every year a special non-working holiday in the province, would be enacted into law to honor the longest-living master weaver, renowned for her dedication to preserving the traditional handwoven fabric of the Ilocano people.

Barba introduced the bill to give a permanent and localized recognition to one of the province's greatest icons.