In a quiet corner of New Corella, Davao del Norte, Nene Omos Luayon is weaving more than just traditional fabrics — she’s stitching together the future of her Manguangan heritage.
As founder of the Women IP Sector of Limbaan Association (WIPSLIA), Luayon has transformed her passion for cultural preservation into a thriving social enterprise, blending ancestral craftsmanship with modern market demands.
What began in 2021 as a small group of 15 indigenous women weavers has blossomed into a 100-member collective producing contemporary takes on traditional wearables and home decor.
Their product line now includes patadjung (wraparound) skirts, beaded Saruk hats, and Macrame bags — far beyond their initial offerings of simple shawls and rags.
The Department of Trade and Industry’s Shared Service Facility program proved transformative, providing looms that boosted daily production from two to seven pieces.
“This strengthened our cultural identity while lifting members from poverty,” Luayon said, noting how modernized designs attracted global buyers while maintaining traditional techniques.
After a brief hiatus that saw WIPSLIA flounder, Luayon returned in 2024 to secure a PHP1 million grant from PBSP for a tribal hall and training center.
“These buildings symbolize our progress,” she said, her voice echoing through the newly constructed space where young Manguangan girls now learn ancestral weaving patterns. (PNA)