Whang-od to be conferred Dangal ng Haraya

BAGUIO - The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is set to award Kalinga icon, Maria “Whang-od” Oggay the Dangal ng Haraya Award for Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Whang–od is believed to be the oldest mambabatok (traditional Kalinga tattooist) who has practiced the ancient art of hand-tapped tattoos in Buscalan village in the Municipality of Tinglayan, Province of Kalinga.

The NCCA, led by chairman and National Artist Virgilio Almario, is set to award Whang–Od in a ceremony at the Kalinga Capitol Plaza on June 25.

In a special resolution, Whang-od is recognized as one of the oldest living traditional tattoo practitioners of Kalinga.

In a statement, the NCCA said Whang Od’s continuing work as a manbabatok and her influence on the Filipino traditional arts scene leading to a heightened awareness about the culture of the Kalinga community -their worldview, traditions, and expressions -- earned her the Dangal ng Haraya for Intangible Cultural Heritage.

With the Dangal ng Haraya conferment, WhangOd joins the esteemed roster of awardees including past cultural advocates like Senator Edgardo Angara, Architect Augusto Villalon, and Susan Calo Medina; and current cultural champions Senator Loren Legarda, and Dr. Jesus Peralta.

Whang–Od, from the Butbut group in Kalinga remains single and childless but has passed on the art of tattooing. Maria Elena Catajan/SunStar Baguio