CIIT proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Daniela Francesca Lina, Mefanie Gazelle Ramos, Hannah Leigh Saure, and Jean Mizpah Toquero, who were honored with the Abelardo Yabut Award—the highest recognition and Overall Grand Prize in the Student Competition at the 12th Araw Values Awards! Their capstone project, Kattukong a Tabungaw: A Coffee Table Book on the Preservation and Promotion of Abra’s Traditional Bottle Gourd Hat, is a powerful tribute to Filipino cultural heritage and a call to action for its preservation.
Preserving the Legacy of the Tabungaw Hat
The Kattukong a Tabungaw project shines a spotlight on the Tabungaw hat, a traditional bottle gourd headpiece crafted by Teofilo C. Garcia, a Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure) awardee. With only one remaining master artisan, this heritage craft faces the risk of disappearing. Through their coffee table book, the team not only documents the history and artistry behind the Tabungaw but also presents it in a way that appeals to younger generations.
To make the project even more engaging, the team incorporated short-form animated videos and interactive elements, ensuring that the Tabungaw hat’s story reaches high school and college students in Abra and Metro Manila. Their efforts aim to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, encouraging youth participation in cultural preservation.
A Journey of Passion, Creativity, and Discovery
For these CIITzens, this project was more than just an academic requirement—it was an adventure filled with learning, collaboration, and deep cultural appreciation.
“Our first trip to Abra was a leap of faith, a shot in the dark. But as we met the people and heard their stories, we knew this project was meant for us,” the CIITzens shared.
Meeting Sir Teofilo Garcia and witnessing his craftsmanship firsthand was an unforgettable experience. Through interviews, research, and creative storytelling, they were able to craft a compelling narrative that highlights both the artistry and the struggles of keeping a tradition alive.
Their journey was also a testament to the CIIT learning experience, where students are encouraged to think beyond textbooks and create projects that inspire real-world impact. Under the guidance of Ms. Dorothea Garing and their professors, they were able to refine their work, ensuring it was not only informative but also visually captivating and engaging for its audience.
A Special Thanks to Sir Teofilo Garcia and San Quintin National High School
The team extends their deepest gratitude to Sir Teofilo Garcia and the faculty of San Quintin National High School (SQNHS) for their unwavering support.
“We are truly indebted for the warm welcome we received in Abra, especially in San Quintin National High School. Without the assistance of the SQNHS faculty, we would not have connected with Sir Teofilo, and this book wouldn’t be possible without the TTTP (Technology Transfer Training Program of the High School).”
The TTTP program plays a crucial role in keeping the Tabungaw hat tradition alive, passing down the knowledge and skills of hat-making to younger generations. This collaboration has not only made the project a success but also strengthened the mission of cultural preservation.
The CIIT Edge: Fostering Excellence and Innovation
The team credits their success to CIIT’s culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. The school’s hands-on approach to learning empowered them to push creative boundaries and develop a project with real cultural significance.
“This project is a testament to the skills and knowledge we gained at CIIT. If given the chance to do it all over again, we would—without hesitation,” they shared.
Their achievement at the Araw Values Awards is proof that CIIT nurtures creators and innovators who redefine possibilities—transforming passion into projects that make a difference.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Cultural Advocates
With the success of Kattukong a Tabungaw, the team hopes to inspire more young Filipinos to appreciate, document, and engage with the country’s intangible cultural heritage. They also plan to collaborate with schools, cultural institutions, and government agencies to ensure that the Tabungaw hat’s legacy continues for generations to come.
Winning the Abelardo Yabut Award—the highest honor in the Student Competition—is more than just a personal milestone; it is a victory for Filipino culture, history, and creativity. CIIT proudly celebrates their success and looks forward to seeing their work spark conversations on heritage preservation in the digital age.
This achievement reflects CIIT’s mission: to empower creators and innovators who make meaningful contributions to society. Congratulations to Daniela, Mefanie, Hannah, and Jean for their well-deserved recognition!
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About CIIT College of Arts and Technology
CIIT College of Arts and Technology is the leading institution in the Philippines specializing in Multimedia Arts, Game Development, Technology, and Business Education. Focused on industry-relevant learning, CIIT equips students with practical skills, technological expertise, and real-world experience to excel in the creative and digital industries.
With 15 years of excellence, CIIT has built a strong reputation for producing top-caliber professionals in creative and tech-driven fields. 61%* graduates secure employment immediately, reflecting the school’s industry-aligned curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and hands-on learning. CIIT is also home to two cutting-edge architectural landmarks, Interweave and Glitch, in Quezon City, designed to inspire creativity and collaboration.
*Rate of graduating students from Batch 2024 (AY 2023-2024) secured employment on or before their graduation day.
Media Contacts:
CIIT College of Arts and Technology
Trunkline: (+632) 8441-1816 / 8441-0737
Kathleen Doma
kathleen.doma@ciit.edu.ph
Abbygail Jann Canono
abbygail.canono@ciit.edu.ph