Tawid : the living treasures of Ilocos Sur / texts by Norma A. Respicio, Maria Lourdes I. Ingel, Jeffrey James C. Ligero ; photography by Jared R. Posion, Teena G. Saulo.

An initiative of Deogracias Victor DV' B. Savellano in cooperation with The Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur."

Salvacion Ramos of Bagani-Camp, Candon City, was awarded as one of the Ilocos Sur Living Treasures in 2009. She was the last remaing Ilocano weaver of burial cloths for the Kankanaey and Bontoc in the Cordilleras. Five months after being awarded, Salvacion Ramos passed away at the age of 86. The harsh reality is that the death of the sole culture bearer put the tradition in peril. Fortunately, she was able to teach one of her relatives the fundamentals. Now, more than ever there is a growing need to raise awareness and appreciation of our craftsmen. The Ilocos Sur Living Treasures Awards, a port of Kannawidan Ylocos Festival, gives recognition to individuals and communities of traditional craftsmen in the province. It celebrates the genius, craftsmanship, and tradition of the people of Ilocos Sur who have dedicated part of their lives to their craft. The recognition also manifests the fervent goal of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur to rediscover and conserve our heritage. Our priceless heritage plays a crucial role in our province's development by generating employment and income, regaining our sense of pride and in defining our identity. Furthermore, the award celebrates and safeguards cultural diversity of the province -- the Ilocano, Itneg, Bago, Kankanaey, Igorot, Ibaloy, as well as the Chinese and Spanish heritage. (Source: http://www.amazon.com)