Birth anniversary of Manlilikha ng Bayan Teofilo Garcia

The #NationalMuseumPH celebrates the 81st birth anniversary of traditional artist and Manlilikha ng Bayan Teofilo Garcia. He was conferred with the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan in 2012 in recognition of his excellence and dedication in making the kattukong or gourd hat.

MB Teofilo Garcia was born and raised in San Quintin, Abra. He acquired the knowledge of making kattukong and weaving baskets from his grandfather at the age of 15. He is known for being self-sustaining in his craft as he personally harvests the tabungaw, a round type of gourd (Family Cucurbitaceae) planted specifically for making kattukong. This process involves splitting and polishing the uway or rattan for the kattukong’s inner frame and weaving the nito and bamboo to accentuate its outer rim. 

As a Manlilikha ng Bayan, he carries the responsibility of teaching kattukong-making to the younger generation. The transmission of this knowledge ensures the protection of cultural heritage and the continuation of such tradition. MB Teofilo Garcia continuously experiments on different varieties of gourd and other alternative raw materials that may possibly be used in making gourd hats. Currently, the craft is part of the high school students’ curriculum in San Quintin.

A documentary on the life and works of MB Teofilo Garcia produced by filmmakers from Extra Mile Productions as part of the “Know Your North” series of Victory Liner may be viewed at the Manlilikha ng Bayan / National Living Treasures Hall at the 3F of the National Museum of Anthropology in Manila.

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Text and poster by the NMP Ethnology Division

Photo courtesy of the NCCA GAMABA Executive Council

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