The Tabungaw Hat Maker of San Quintin Teofilo Garcia – A Philippine National Living Treasure

  Teofilo Garcia •Born 27th March 1941 to Francisco Garcia and Concepcion Callos from San Quintin, Abra. •He attended Villa Mercedes Elementary School (formerly known as Barbarit Elementary School) until 4th grade •At the age of 15 he learned the art of Kattukong or Tabungaw hat making from his grandfather Hipolito. •He married Dolores Cabael from Narvacan, Ilocos Sur •They have five children Ferdinand, Redentor, George, Jocelyn and Carol Teofilo Garcia is a simple man, still a farmer at heart and since he was bestowed the title of “Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan” ( National Living Treasure) he has been invited to give talks and demonstrations in the Philippines and abroad, teach local school children the art of Tabungaw making, and open up his home/workshop to drop in visitors who wish to meet him and buy one of his unique products. He acquired the knowledge of making kattukong and weaving baskets from his grandfather at the age of 15. He is known for being self-sustaining in his craft