Apo Maria Whang-Od, the legendary master mambabatok from Buscalan, Kalinga, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit for her impact and influence in preserving the country's heritage and culture.

Her contributions for preserving her community's traditions and practices while making the Philippines famous around the world are worthy of respect and admiration, President Marcos said as he gave her the award in a ceremony in Malacañan on Feb. 14.

"She is a keeper of the oral traditions and a mentor in teaching a new generation of artists, thus ensuring her art form lives on to tell tales of her community’s history," Marcos said.

"Her craft and stature as an internationally recognized artist, raised international awareness of our country’s rich cultural heritage as Apo Whang-Od’s work appealed to diverse cultures and across political divide, she became an enabler for unity and example of an idea that binds as all," he added.

"She is truly a national treasure."

The President honored Maria Whang-Od Oggay, popularly known as Apo Whang-Od, for her significant and exemplary contributions to preserving the Kalinga traditional tattoo known as "batok."

Marcos also cited her impact and influence for the FIlipino culture and the arts as an internationally-recognized tattooist and master of her craft, and for her efforts to raise awareness on the heritage, culture, traditions, and practices of the Indigenous Peoples in the country.

Whang-Od is one of the few of the remaining master mambabatok from Buscalan village in Kalinga. In 2018, she was awarded the Dangal ng Haraya award by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

"Her contributions to the preservation of Philippine traditional arts and practices cannot be overstated. We are honoring Apo Whang-Od for works that have made her and the country famous, for other work that made her a Filipina worthy of our respect, and our admiration," Marcos said.

The Chief Executive also emphasized that Whang-Od is "a pioneer in shattering gender stereotypes" for venturing into tattooing "when it was just a man’s exclusive preserve."

Whang-Od’s tattoos have garnered recognition both locally and abroad, with tourists flocking to her village and seeking for her. She has two successors in her grandnieces, ensuring the continuation of the thousand-year-old craft for another generation.

Marcos honored Whang-Od along with other outstanding government workers and individuals who have excelled or shown utmost dedication and commitment to public service.

In his speech, he expressed hopes that their achievements "inspire our countrymen to bring positive transformation to their own communities."

He assured them that the government would continue to support every initiative to further strengthen the research and development environment, to enhance the country's quality of education, and to preserve its culture and our heritage.