Ilocanos paid tribute to national living treasure Magdalena Gamayo, who celebrated her 101st birthday in the quaint village of Lumbaan-Bicbica in Pinili, Ilocos Norte, on Wednesday.
Known affectionately as Lola (grandmother) Dalen, Gamayo received the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Award from the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in 2012, recognizing her mastery in producing intricate designs and inventing her own patterns of abel Iloco or “inabel.” Her passion for keeping the traditional weaving industry alive has made her a revered figure in the community.
To commemorate her special day, the local government unit of Pinili declared August 13, 2025, as the first Inabel Day in the town through a municipal ordinance.
The celebration, held at the Pinili Inabel Center, featured various activities, including an essay writing and photo contest, as well as a poster-making exhibition participated in by students to honor Gamayo’s legacy. Her work continues to inspire young Ilocanos to appreciate and learn the art of loom weaving.
The master weaver is renowned for her dedication to preserving “inabel,” the traditional handwoven fabric of the Ilocano people. For decades, she has been passing on her knowledge to younger generations, ensuring that this cultural heritage remains alive and relevant.
The inaugural Inabel Day celebration was made even more meaningful when a young Ilocano artist, Reymark Orario from Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, presented Gamayo with a portrait painting that captured not only her likeness but also the spirit of her craft.
National Youth Commissioner for Luzon Gervy James Gumarit commended the artwork as a powerful example of how young people can honor tradition through modern forms of expression. “The occasion serves as a call for young Filipinos to embrace their cultural identity, learn from elder artisans, and find creative ways to integrate traditional values into contemporary life — ensuring that the nation’s rich heritage continues to inspire the present and shape the future,” Gumarit stated.
Through Proclamation 664 signed last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared August 13, 2024, to August 12, 2025, as the Centennial Year of Gamayo.