The Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT)-Basilan, in collaboration with the Provincial Government and The Asia Foundation, has crafted a five-year roadmap aimed at bolstering the province's Tennun weaving industry and expanding support for local weavers.
Workshop Produces Key Outputs
Argie Sarco, MTIT-Basilan provincial director, announced that the roadmap emerged as a primary outcome of the Basilan Weaving Industry Roadmap Development and Strategic Planning Workshop, held from June 23 to 25 at a hotel in Zamboanga City.
The three-day workshop gathered representatives from MTIT provincial offices, the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH), the Provincial Government of Basilan, and local weaving groups. Together, they formulated strategies for the industry's long-term development.
Five-Year Plan and New Council
The workshop produced the five-year roadmap covering 2026 to 2030 for the Basilan Tennun Weaving Industry. Sarco also announced that a Tennun Weaving Industry Council will be established through an executive order or ordinance to oversee implementation.
Sarco emphasized the collective commitment required to develop and strengthen the weaving industry. "The Tennun weaving tradition is more than just an economic activity; it is a living expression of our culture, identity, and heritage," he said in a statement on Monday, June 29, 2026. "Every fabric tells a story—of our ancestors, our communities, and our aspirations for future generations."
Challenges and Resilience
The industry has long faced challenges such as limited market access, scarce raw materials, and a lack of innovation. Despite these hurdles, Sarco noted that the weavers remain resilient, describing them as "the true guardians of the rich culture."
Mariyam Sulaiman, a weaver from Paguengan village in Akbar, Basilan, shared that Tennun weaving is a major part of her life and livelihood. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the workshop and help shape the future of an industry they take great pride in.
Partnership for Cultural Preservation
Sarco said the initiative reflects the continued partnership between the Bangsamoro Government and the Provincial Government of Basilan to protect the province's rich cultural heritage and uplift traditional weaving communities.
