On Valentine’s Day, Apo Whang Od, the 106-year-old mambabatok (tatoo artist) from Kalinga, received the Presidential Medal of Merit from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Malacañang Palace.
The 106-year-old mambabatok (tattoo artist) from Kalinga, was honored as a trailblazer who shattered gender stereotypes by venturing into tattooing, a craft traditionally dominated by men.
Her role as a guardian of oral traditions and a mentor to a new generation of artists earned her praise for preserving her community’s rich history and cultural heritage.
“As Apo Whang-Od’s works appeal to diverse cultures and across political divides, she becomes an enabler for unity and an example of an idea that binds us all. She is truly a national treasure,” said the President.
The Presidential Medal of Merit, as per Executive Order No. 236, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the President, administration, or Cabinet members, as well as those who have brought honor to the country in various fields including literature, science, arts, and entertainment.
Additionally, the award honors retiring cultural workers, foreign artists who promoted Philippine culture, and individuals whose acts of merit enhance the prestige of the Philippines.
