The Mabilong Young Workers and Weavers Association of Lubuagan secured the Top 2 spot at the Amazing Weaves Distinction Awards (AWDA) during the ASEAN Trade Expo held at Okada Manila. Besting 46 LGU-backed entries nationwide—including 18 from Luzon and eight from the Cordillera—the group brought home a P75,000 cash prize.
They shared the second-place tier with the municipalities of Oton, Iloilo, and Bansalan, Davao del Sur. Meanwhile, the Top 1 winner, who each received P150,000, included Tublay, Benguet; Kalibo, Aklan; and Caraga, Davao Oriental.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), alongside the Galing Pook Foundation and WomenBizPH, the AWDA honors communities that protect living cultural heritage while building sustainable grassroots livelihoods.
As part of their prize package, the winning weavers will receive technical assistance, product development support, and training from the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Galing Pook Foundation.
At the expo’s ASEAN Exhibit, Kalinga further highlighted its cultural heritage by showcasing three local MSMEs: the Mabilong Young Workers and Weavers’ Association, Y-Kalinga Tapis Weaving, and Laga Handicrafts. The event provided a vital platform to promote Kalinga’s indigenous textiles and open up new international market opportunities.
This year’s “Way of the Weaves” was hosted by the Philippines, which ceremonially turned over the hosting responsibilities to Singapore for the upcoming year.
This latest victory underscores the continuing commitment of the provincial government, led by Governor James S. Edduba and Vice Governor Dave Q. Odiem, to protect, promote, and empower Kalinga’s creative and cultural industries. The momentous event was graced by key officials and supporters, including DTI-CAR Regional Director Atty. Raymond G. Panhon, DTI-Kalinga Provincial Director Renie M. Ramos, Ms. Benedicta B. Mangadap, Ms. Lorraine A. Ngao-i representing the province, Atty. Jet B. Tagaotao of Lubuagan, and Julius T. Gammong of the Mabilong Young Workers and Weavers’ Association.
