Baguio City officials pens resolution commending Apo Whang-od

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Having brought honor and pride not only to Kalinga but also to the Cordillera region, Baguio City officials crafted a resolution commending Apo Maria 'Whang-od’ Oggay.

The Baguio City Information Office relayed on Monday, March 4, that the resolution was made for the renowned Kalinga hand-tapped tattoo artist after receiving the Presidential Medal of Merit on February 14.

The cultural icon was given the accolade for her outstanding contributions to Philippine traditional arts.

Whang-od, as President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. conveyed, is not only a keeper of oral traditions but also a mentor, guiding the younger generation in her craft and ensuring the preservation of the community's history.

Apo Whang-od's international acclaim has also served to elevate awareness of the Philippines' rich cultural heritage on the global stage.

In the resolution, the city council likewise pointed out that the 'mambabatok’ was conferred the Dangal ng Haraya Award for Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2018, hence the resolution of commendation.

The esteemed award was given at a ceremony that took place in her home province by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

“Copies of the approved resolution will be forwarded to Apo 'Whang-od’ for her information, guidance, ready reference, and further needed action,” Baguio PIO wrote.

It is worth recalling that numerous endorsements for Apo Whang-od to be given the GAMABA award were likewise made but have not received the award as of yet.

Some are also pushing for her to be awarded the ‘National Artist’ award, igniting debate online about whether she is eligible for the award.

However, an NCCA official pointed out that Apo Whang-od’s craft is not covered by the order of the National Artist but by the GAMABA award.