The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) Award is a prestigious recognition in the Philippines that honors traditional artists and craftsmen who have made significant contributions to the country's cultural. Established in 1992, the award aims to promote and preserve indigenous art forms, ensuring that the skills and traditions of these talented individuals are passed down to future generations. Recipients of the GAMABA Award receive financial support and assistance in promoting their crafts, helping to sustain their livelihoods and cultural practices.

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Lang Dulay, a master weaver of the T'nalak, received the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) Award in 1998. Recognized for her exceptional skill in weaving the intricate patterns of the T'boli people's sacred cloth, Lang Dulay was honored not only for her technical proficiency but also for her dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of the T'boli tribe. The T'nalak, a traditional hand-woven fabric made from abaca fibers, holds deep symbolic significance in T'boli culture, and Lang Dulay's weavings have been renowned for their detailed execution and the cultural stories they tell through their patterns. Her contributions helped elevate the status of T'nalak weaving, both locally and internationally.

 

She was awarded the GAMABA for her lifelong commitment to safeguarding T'boli weaving traditions. She mastered over a hundred unique T'nalak designs, many of which were passed down through generations and inspired by her tribe's dreams, nature, and spiritual beliefs. Beyond her artistic excellence, she devoted herself to teaching younger generations of T'boli women, ensuring that this rich cultural art form would continue to thrive. Her tireless efforts in passing down her knowledge and keeping the T'boli weaving tradition alive earned her recognition as a true cultural bearer, making her a fitting recipient of the prestigious GAMABA Award.