Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines| August 4, 2025 — The legacy of National Living Treasure Lang Dulay continues to inspire generations as the Province of South Cotabato officially launched the book Lang Dulay: Strands of Her Dreams during a wreath-laying ceremony held in time for what would have been her 94th birthday.
The local launching was spearheaded by the Arts and Culture Program under the Arts, Culture, Tourism and Museum (ACTM) Unit of South Cotabato, as part of the province’s continuing commitment to preserving and honoring its cultural heritage.
Lang Dulay, a renowned T’nalak dreamweaver from the T’boli community, was conferred the title Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) in 1998 for her mastery and dedication to the traditional art of weaving abaca cloth from designs she saw in her dreams. Her works are regarded as both sacred and symbolic of the T’boli identity.
According to Indira Cagaanan, Arts and Culture Head of ACTM, the book serves as a tribute not only to Lang Dulay’s artistic mastery but also to her vital role in keeping indigenous knowledge alive.
“This book is more than a biography; it is a cultural legacy,” Cagaanan said.
“Through its pages, we tell the story of a woman who dreamed for her people, and through her weaving, told those dreams to the world.”
The launching was also graced by local cultural advocates, weavers, and members of the Dulay family. Senior Tourism Operations Officer Argie Ryan Asaria emphasized the importance of situating Lang Dulay’s life and work within South Cotabato’s broader efforts in cultural preservation and community-based tourism.
“Lang Dulay is not just a National Living Treasure; she is a cornerstone of South Cotabato’s cultural identity,” Asaria said.
“With this book, we hope to inspire more young people to value their roots and honor the traditions of our indigenous peoples.”
The book Lang Dulay: Strands of Her Dreams was written by cultural researchers and writers Delmo Dulay and Lenly Gula and illustrated by local artists Danny Doce, Daniella Doce and Roldan Mayon. The national launching of the book Strands of Her Dreams: The Story of Lang Dulay took place on March 15, 2025, at SM Megamall in Metro Manila, during the Philippine Book Festival.
The wreath-laying ceremony was held at Lang Dulay’s memorial site in Sitio Tukolefa, Barangay Lamdalag, Lake Sebu, where her legacy lives on through the young dreamweavers she mentored during her lifetime.
