Davao del Norte, Philippines—In the quiet yet culturally rich lands of New Corella, a woman’s dedication has sparked a movement that uplifts and protects indigenous heritage.

Nene Omos Luayon, a proud member of the Manguangan Tribe of the Indigenous People (IP) community, has dedicated over 13 years working as a community organizer. Her passion for community service ignited at the age of 16, fueled by her family’s lineage, particularly her father’s unwavering commitment to helping others. This deep-seated care for others grew over the years, leading her to work closely with the Limbaan Tribal Counci. Later, in 2021, she established the Women IP Sector of Limbaan Association (WIPSLIA).

Nene admitted that establishing WIPSLIA was not easy, starting with just 15 members. Nonetheless, united by a shared dream of preserving their culture and protecting their natural heritage, they persevered. Armed with their commitment and clear intentions, the group grew to over 100 members.

According to Nene, WIPSLIA is more than just an organization; it is a family that welcomes everyone, embracing gender equality and inclusivity. They do not just talk about preserving culture; they live it. From weaving and selling traditional crafts to training IP members in various facets of skills development, they ensure that traditions are not just remembered but actively practiced and passed down.

“Sikan tu tibo tu mgo kabuyagan aw ig uswag diya tu ekonumikanhon, kulturanhon, aw politikanhon dun pagpaga-um kandan aw pag-magkap to kalisud. (The IP Women and Girls should be economically, culturally developed, politically empowered and poverty alleviated.),” Nene quipped.

The woman leader expressed gratitude for the assistance that her group has received from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Through its Shared Service Facility (SSF) program, the DTI provided WIPSLIA with equipment for its loom weaving and traditional attire-making business. This support played a crucial role in fostering the development and sustainability of traditional crafts in New Corella.

Nene narrated that this support further empowered WIPSLIA to take significant strides toward preserving and enhancing the local weaving heritage. This initiative not only strengthened the community’s cultural identity but also contributed to the economic upliftment of its members.

The grant allowed WIPSLIA to scale up its production capacity, increasing the output from 1 to 2 pieces of looms per day to 5 to 7 pieces. This led to the creation of more woven goods, which were then introduced to broader markets. While the association initially offered only handloom shawls, traditional beaded accessories, and rags, its product line has has now expanded to include new offerings, such as Patadjung, Malong, Curtains, Handloom Table Runners, Romblon Handicrafts, Saruk Hat made from bamboo and Macrame bags and wallets.

This expansion project has generated new sources of income for the community while ensuring that the intricate art of weaving remains a vital part of the local economy. More importantly, the project has bridged the gap between tradition and modernity, making sure that the age-old weaving techniques are not only preserved but also innovated to meet the evolving tastes and preferences of contemporary consumers.

Nene revealed that by modernizing designs while keeping the essence of traditional craftsmanship intact, WIPSLIA has successfully reached a wider market, both locally and globally.

The growth of WIPSLIA seemed unstoppable, but along with it came inevitable challenges.

“Nihawa ko sa WIPSLIA tungod kay nakakita ko ug laing oportunidad nga makatabang sa akong pag-uswag sa karera. Nagtrabaho ko sa usa ka pribadong kompanya isip usa ka community organizer ug gi-assign ko sa Munisipyo sa San Isidro, Davao del Norte. Apan, bisan pa man sa akong paningkamot, akong nasabtan nga murag dili para nako ang maong trabaho. Ang akong tinuod nga kasingkasing nagpabilin nga nagtinguha nga mag-alagad sa akong komunidad, ilabi na sa mga Indigenous People. Dili nako makita nga magpuyo ko sa ingon ana nga trabaho kung ang akong misyon ug tinguha mao ang magtabang ug mag-alagad sa among IP community. (I left WIPSLIA because I found another opportunity where I could grow my career. I worked for a private company as a community organizer and was assigned to the Municipality of San Isidro, Davao del Norte. However, I realized that the job probably wasn’t for me because my heart remained focused on wanting to serve our IP community.),” she said.

In her absence, WIPSLIA faced significant setbacks in maintaining its stability, underscoring the critical role of leadership in holding the group together. Over time, many members chose to leave the association, weakening its collective strength and cohesion. As a result, the association found itself in a state of disarray, lacking clear direction and purpose.

The remaining members thought that the crisis they went through was their ending. However, Nene, with her unwavering commitment, decided to return in 2024 not only to reclaim WIPSLIA’s former success but also to reignite its spirit. She did not just resume where she left off—she infused the organization with new purpose, energy, and a clear sense of direction.

“Dako kaayo akong pagtuo nga ang mga miyembro sa among IP community adunay mga talento ug kahibalo nga na-develop sa among kultura. Ang ilang mga kahanas ug abilidad, kung hatagan lang og igo nga suporta ug oportunidad, mahimo pa unta silang mapalambo ug magamit sa mas daghang mga proyekto nga makabenepisyo sa among komunidad. Busa, sa akong pagbalik, nagbuhat ko og usa ka project proposal nga akong gipasa sa Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). Ug sa kalipay, among nadawat ang grant ug kami ang usa sa mga napili nga makakuha niini (I strongly believe that the members of our IP community possess talents and skills that have been shaped culturally. These abilities, if given proper support and opportunities, can be enhanced and utilized to further develop our community. So, when I returned, I created a project proposal and submitted it to the Philippine Business for Social Progress. Thankfully, we were one of the recipients of the grant.),” she recalled.

With her return came a major breakthrough. WIPSLIA received a PHP 1 million grant from the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). This game-changing support led to the establishment of the New Corella tribal hall and a training center.

For Nene and her family at WIPSLIA, these are not just buildings; they are symbols of progress. Moreover, these venues will bring them closer together as they move forward through constant learning.

Looking at all she has accomplished, it is clear that she is more than just a leader—she is a pillar of hope for indigenous communities. From being a teenager who found her calling in community service, she has dedicated herself to something bigger than herself. Through WIPSLIA and the other 10 IP groups under her guidance, she has shown that preserving culture is not just about holding onto the past—it is about empowering the present and securing the future. Thanks to her relentless efforts, more IP members now have access to training, livelihood, and a platform to protect their heritage with pride. Her story is a reminder that leadership is not about power. Rather, it is a masterpiece that highlights service, passion, and one’s willingness to keep going even when the path is rough and tough. ♦

Date of Release: 28 March 2025

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