What areas and who are the indigenous peoples (IP) groups in Mindanao that use abaca fiber as raw materials in their textile weaving?
Our researchers have accounted Manobo in Agusan, Subanen in Zamboanga del Norte, Mandaya in Davao Oriental, Bagobo and Tagakaolo in Davao del Sur, Tagakaolo in Davao Occidental, Tagakaolo and Blaan in Sarangani, Teduray and Blaaan in North Cotabato, and T’Boli and Blaan in South Cotabato.
Here’s a map of Mindanao showing the raw materials, techniques, and designs used by the lumad groups in their textiles. More information about this is in the “Panapton sa Lumad: Mga Arte ug Kailhanan” Exhibit in the Ethnology Gallery of your National Museum of the Philippines in Butuan.
January is celebrated as Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month to promote textile production using natural textile fibers, technologies, and industries in the country.