POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato— A wreath-laying and tribute ceremony was held on August 8, 2025, at Purok 4, Sitio Amguo, Barangay Landan to honor the legacy of Manlilikha ng Bayan awardee Fu Yabing Masalon Dulo.
Organized in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the South Cotabato Provincial Tourism Office, the event brought together committee heads and employees from the local governments of Polomolok and South Cotabato, fellow GAMABA awardees, and members of Fu Yabing’s family.
In her tribute, Lumina Dulo Gulili, daughter of the weaving master, recalled how her mother instilled in her the value of preserving the intricate ikat T’nalak weaving.
“Ang naano ko sa nanay ko ay yung ginawa niya. Mahal ko yung ginawa niya. Kasi sabi niya sa’kin, hindi ka palaging magtatanim ng mais. Yung ginawa niya—yung abaca—para hindi ko makalimutan yung design at yung pag-dye, yun yung naano ko kay nanay,”
she said, noting that her mother’s lessons went beyond weaving and spoke of life’s own patterns.
She described how Fu Yabing treated every thread of abaca with care, teaching the skills of weaving, dyeing, and designing fibers by hand. Each pattern, Gulili explained, carried a story of their people’s identity.
Now a mother of seven, she admitted that sustaining the tradition has been difficult, though she continues to encourage her children and the youth to value and preserve their heritage.
Key cultural advocates also spoke during the program. Polomolok Councilor Dave Amor, chairperson of the Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, said,
“Ang atung wreath-laying ceremony, dili lang usa ka paghinumdum, kundi usa ini ka simbolo kag dako nga pagpasalamat kag pagtahod kaniya [Fu Yabing Masalon Dulo].”Her grandson, Arthur Gulili, expressed gratitude to all attendees. South Cotabato Senior Tourism Officer Argie Ryan Asaria emphasized the province’s tradition of dedicating a day to honor cultural bearers like Fu Yabing.
Board Member Sarse Atang Jr., a half-T’boli, reminded the crowd:
“One day we will not forget, our grandchildren will not forget that before their time, there were beautiful clothes weaved by the Blaan, T’boli, Maranao, and other indigenous communities,”
commending the provincial government’s efforts to keep these traditions alive.The program concluded with the ceremonial wreath-laying led by fellow GAMABA awardee MB Rosie Sula, who performed a traditional chant. Families, community leaders, and guests stood together in a shared commitment to ensuring Fu Yabing’s legacy continues to be part of their cultural fabric.
