Bongao, Tawi-Tawi | June 6, 2025 — With vibrant patterns, intricate designs, and deep cultural roots, Tawi-Tawi’s weaving tradition has long served as a symbol of the province’s identity. Now, local leaders and planners are coming together to ensure that this centuries-old heritage evolves into a thriving, sustainable industry.
From June 2 to 4, 2025, key personnel from the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) and the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) gathered at Rachel’s Place in Bongao for a three-day Strategic Planning Workshop aimed at crafting a Weaving Industry Roadmap for Tawi-Tawi. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (MTIT) and supported by The Asia Foundation and Australian Aid, reflects a growing commitment to strengthen local industries while preserving cultural heritage.
Among those attending the workshop were Provincial Planning and Development Officer Noor Saada, Planning Officers Sadikul Nooh and Ben Bili, Provincial Tourism Officer Pershing Taiyab, and Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person Zelda Abduraja. Their participation marks a vital step in aligning provincial development plans with cultural and creative industry promotion.
In his opening message, MTIT Provincial Director Termizie Masahud highlighted the roadmap as part of a broader development framework designed to boost local industries. He emphasized the importance of collective effort, noting that “the presence of various stakeholders and partners reflects the multidimensional character of the weaving industry.”
One of the central activities of the workshop was a SWOT analysis—a deep dive into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the local weaving sector. Participants examined how traditional craftsmanship, local pride, and rich cultural narratives could become strategic advantages, while also identifying challenges such as limited market access, threats from mass production, and the need for younger generations to continue the tradition.
Governor Yshmael “Mang” I. Sali, a known supporter of Tawi-Tawi’s local industries, welcomed the MTIT’s initiative and expressed confidence in the roadmap’s potential. “This effort brings us closer to inclusive growth,” he said, “Our local artisans have a vital role in shaping both our culture and economy.”
The roadmap, once finalized, is expected to serve as a guide for policy development, resource mobilization, and capacity-building activities that will support weavers and enhance their access to markets—both domestic and international.
As the workshop concludes, there is a growing sense of optimism that the colorful threads of tradition will not only endure but also become the foundation for a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable local economy in Tawi-Tawi.