Senator Legarda lauds iKalingas for sustaining the living tradition of weaving, anticipates growth of the industry

Mabilong, Lubuagan – In her message relayed by Ms. Jasmine Baac during the turn-over and inauguration of the Kalinga Weaving Center on October 9, 2025 in Mabilong, Lubuagan, Senator Loren Legarda commended the iKalingas for their steadfast role in sustaining the living tradition of "laga," reaffirming her commitment to supporting Indigenous industries through education, legislation, and community-driven development.

Legarda highlighted the center as a vital space for preserving and teaching laga, backed by various support like training, equipment, and livelihood programs.

“Alam kong mahalaga na mayroong sentro kung saan ligtas at marangal ninyong maipagpapatuloy ang paglikha at pagtuturo ng ‘laga’, kaya narito tayo ngayon, sama-samang ipinagdiriwang ang patuloy na pagyabong ng tradisyonal na paghahabi,” the senator said as relayed by Baac.

Said center, which costs P10 million and initially set to house 32 weaving designs from the town, was funded through the assistance of the Office of Senator Legarda with an aim to preserve the weaving tradition and culture of the province.

Legarda was also the one who pushed for laws promoting local, Indigenous fibers and industries, including the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Act (RA 9242) and the Magna Carta for MSMEs.

In connection with the center’s success, the senator praised the efforts to teach backstrap weaving in schools and suggested inclusion of backstrap weaving in the curriculum of Lubuagan National High School, ensuring ancestral wisdom is passed on and culture preserved.

“….kaya nais ko ring kilalanin ang pagsisikap na maipasa ang kaalaman sa ating mga kabataan sa pamamagitan ng pagsama ng backstrap weaving sa curriculum ng Lubuagan National High School. Habang tinuturuan ninyo ang mga bata, hindi lang sila natututo ng kaalaman kundi naipapasa rin ang karunungan ng inyong mga ninuno na tunay na sandata laban sa kahirapan at sa pagkawala ng ating kultura,” Legarda said.

The event was graced by key figures from the provincial LGU headed by Governor James S. Edduba and Vice Governor Dave Q. Odiem, Congresswoman Caroline Agyao represented by Regie Wacas, and DOST-PTRI Director IV, Dr. Julius Leano, among others.

Meantime, apart from the Kalinga Weaving Center, there were also weaving centers established in Antique, Iloilo, Ilocos Norte, Misamis Oriental, Zamboanga del Sur, and even South Cotabato.