Kalinga weavers earn national recognition; Ngao-i urges public to patronize local crafts

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Provincial Tourism Officer Lorraine Ngao-i has called on the public to support local weavers by patronizing Kalinga-made products after the province secured second place in the nationwide Amazing Weaves Distinction Awards (AWDA).

Kalinga placed second among 46 local government unit entries in the competition held during the ASEAN Trade Expo at Okada Manila in Parañaque City as part of the Way of the Weaves initiative.

The Mabilong Young Workers and Weavers’ Association (MYWWA) of Lubuagan served as Kalinga’s community partner and recipient of the recognition.

In an interview on November 12, Ngao-i said the award recognizes the efforts of local artisans in preserving the province’s weaving traditions while creating livelihood opportunities for present and future generations.

“To our weavers across Kalinga, thank you for continuously innovating, creating, and showcasing the richness and diversity of our weaving traditions. Thank you for preserving this time honored tradition. Our weaving heritage should not remain merely a cultural symbol of our past; it must also become a source of pride, livelihood, and opportunity for present and future generations," she said.

Ngao-i attributed the achievement to the preservation of traditional weaving skills passed down through generations, particularly from mothers to daughters, as well as the artisans’ efforts to innovate and adopt sustainable practices.

"I believe this achievement is a result of the strong preservation of Kalinga's weaving traditions, which have been passed down through generations, particularly from mothers to daughters. Beyond preserving traditional designs and techniques, our weavers have also demonstrated innovation by embracing sustainable and environmentally friendly practices," she said.

She cited the use of recycled materials, including plastics, in some woven products and accessories as an example of how local artisans are combining traditional craftsmanship with innovation.

Ngao-i said the Provincial Government, through its Tourism Services, facilitated Kalinga’s participation by preparing documentary requirements, attending interviews and evaluation activities, and submitting weaving samples. MYWWA also provided sample products for the

competition.

The province received a P75,000 cash prize, which will be awarded to MYWWA as its community partner and award recipient, according to Ngao-i.

Meanwhile, three Kalinga micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—MYWWA, Y-Kalinga Tapis Weaving, and Laga Handicrafts—participated in the ASEAN Exhibit, where they made actual sales and gained exposure to potential buyers, distributors, and business partners.

Their participation included business-to-business matching activities that could open opportunities for their products to reach markets outside Kalinga and the Philippines.

Ngao-i said the award and the exhibit experience demonstrate the potential of Kalinga’s woven products and crafts to compete in wider markets.

She clarified that Kalinga was not the only Cordillera province recognized in the competition. Benguet, represented by Narda’s, emerged as the Luzon champion, while Kalinga placed second. Six awardees were recognized nationwide, with two each from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The awardees may also receive assistance from partner organizations, including the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute, TESDA, and the Galing Pook Foundation.

Ngao-i urged the public to support local artisans by buying and promoting locally made woven products, saying such support would help sustain their livelihood and ensure the continuation of Kalinga’s weaving traditions.

Kalinga’s participation in the competition was undertaken under the leadership of Governor James S. Edduba and Vice Governor Dave Q. Odiem through the Provincial Tourism Services and its community partners.