President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday rallied the youth to take pride in Filipino culture and heritage, which is a source of national pride and a key factor in the country’s future success.

During the 2023 Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awarding rites at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, President Marcos urged the youth and the Filipino people to recognize the value of national heritage and take an active role in safeguarding the country’s identity.

“Kasabay ng pangakong ito ay panawagan ko sa lahat ng Pilipino—lalong-lalo na sa ating mga kabataan—kilalanin natin at ipagmalaki natin ang sariling atin,” the President said.

President Marcos conferred the GAMABA honors on exceptional individuals who devote their lives to preserving Filipino traditions and Indigenous cultural practices, which are essential to preserving the national identity across generations.

The President emphasized that Filipino culture is a source of national pride and a key pillar of the country’s development, linking cultural sustainability with economic and social progress.

“Ang ating pagkakakilanlan bilang Pilipino ay hinubog ng mayamang kultura at tradisyong minana natin sa ating mga ninuno–kayamanang ating iniingatan at ipapasa sa susunod na mga henerasyon,” President Marcos noted. | PND