Teofilo Garcia

Garcia is known for crafting tabungaw hat, a type of Ilocano hat made from a variety of gourd (Cucurbitaceae) known locally as tabungaw.[2][3][4]

Garcia, who has five children, primarily works as a farmer. He primarily cultivates rice and tobacco and tends to a herd of cows. During the period when he does neither of these, Garcia grows tabungaw.[5] He is a native of the town of San Quintin in Abra.[6]

Garcia learned how to create tabungaw hats and weave basket from his grandfather when he was 15 years old.[5] He eventually became known for producing tabungaw hats – his hats were reputed to be the most sturdy and smooth in his community.[2] Garcia himself would wear tabungaw hat in his daily life and he could create 100 headwear in a year if the gourd harvest is good.[5]

He would also innovate on the creation of tabungaw hats experimenting on using nito and bamboo fibers as decor. The interior of Garcia's hats would also vary in decoration.[2]

On November 8, 2012, he was conferred the National Living Treasure Award.[2]