Ilokana master weaver, living treasure celebrates 100th birthday

Magdalena G. Gamayo, an Ilokana master weaver and a national living treasure from Pinili town in Ilocos Norte, celebrated her 100th birth anniversary on August 13.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) of the Philippines, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), organized an event at the Plaza Del Norte in Paoay to celebrate and honor Gamayo's centennial birth.

"Nana Daleng," as she is fondly called by her provincemates, is one of the country's most revered cultural icons and a living embodiment of Filipino artistry and tradition. She started weaving hand-spun threads into her exclusive patterns and intricate designs at 16, allowing her to master traditional Ilokano weaving with excellence. In 2012, she was conferred with Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan by the NCCA.

At 100, she continues her passion and dedication by training hundreds of young Ilokano weavers, a testament to her commitment to preserving and ensuring the survival and relevance of inabel tradition in Ilocos Norte for future generations.

Meanwhile, in his opening speech during the celebration, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc remarked, "Nana Magdalena [is] a true icon and the quintessential Ilokana – someone who represents the very best in the province of Ilocos and the very best of all of us Ilokanos."

Gov. Marcos Manotoc also assured to give his full support to the centenarian and the weaving industry in the province, saying:

"Sa amin po sa PGIN, we promise to do more for you. We can and must do more for Nana Magdalena and all the weavers in Pinili and all the weavers in Ilocos Norte. Nandito lang po ako to support all our weavers in our great province."

The Ilocos Norte Tourism Office also conducted a pre-birthday fashion show event to showcase Nana Daleng's iconic inabel textiles, with local models daunting the works of Ilokano designers.

PGIN has continued to support local artists and creatives to safeguard the province's cultural identity, elevate its traditions, and strengthen Ilocos Norte's position as a premier cultural and heritage destination. In 2023, the provincial government inaugurated the Pinili Inabel Center in Nana Daleng’s hometown.