Indigenous Women Weavers Featured in ‘Dayaw’

Centuries-old weaving traditions are in danger of disappearing with the commercialization and commodification of textiles in the Philippines.

The fourth episode of Dayaw on October 22, “Hinabing Kasaysayan ng mga Kababaihan” (Weaving Stories of Feminine Knowledge), takes viewers to the centers of weaving in the country in a bid to stir interest, awareness and support for this intangible cultural heritage.

Senator Loren Legarda, who has consistently advocated the importance of reviving handwoven textile and the use of looms by communities all over the Philippines said, “The role of women weavers in indigenous society is tremendous. Weaving is a delicate, specialized craft that is mostly the expertise of women. It is a skill passed on from one generation to the other. Due to our indigenous weavers’ diligence, perseverance and innate creativity, we have a wealth of textile that reflects our rich culture and weaving traditions.”

The Dayaw episode features women who have championed textile weaving in the Philippines, including three Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees–Magdalena Gamayo of Ilocos Norte, the late Lang Dulay of Lake Sebu, and the late Salinta Monon of Bansalan, Davao del Sur.

The episode also features Ilocos Norte’s signature weave, the binakol; and weavers from Caoayan, Ilocos Sur known for their binandera design.

Weavers and weaving communities visited and supported by Senator Legarda are also featured in the episode–Ifugao weaver Angelina Buhle, who, together with her son and daughter, keeps the Ikat weaving technique alive in the Cordillera Region; Hablon weavers from Arevalo, Iloilo; and Inaul weaver Bai Albaya Wampa from Cotabato City.

Legarda said, “These weavers endure and continue. Strong women, leaders and survivors. Our women weavers are proud carriers of Dayaw; Our knowledge, our pride.”

Dayaw, conceptualized and hosted by Senator Legarda, and produced by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), is shown every Thursday, 6:00pm on ANC, with replays on Friday 1:30am and 2:30pm, Saturday 2:30pm and Sunday 11:00am. It is aired simultaneously on The Filipino Channel (TFC).