Threads of Heritage: Sama-Bajau Weaving Center Opens in Basilan
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The Sama-Bajau community in Maluso, Basilan has a new home for its heritage. The Sama-Bajau Weaving and Cultural Center, opened by the Claret Samal Foundation Inc. (CSFI) in partnership with the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation (YBH), is designed to give women weavers a dedicated space to work, sell their crafts, and pass on their skills to the next generation.
For years, weaving tepo—mats and other items made from pandan leaves—has been part of everyday life for the Sama-Bajau. But without proper facilities or access to markets, the craft struggled to provide stable income. The new center addresses that gap, offering work areas, a gallery, and a shop where handmade mats, hats, pouches, and bags can be showcased and sold.
CSFI has been working with Sitio Teheman since 1993, supporting health, education, and environmental programs. YBH joined in 2013, expanding access to education through boats, bridges, and even a floating school. Together, the two organizations recognized that preserving cultural identity was just as important as building classrooms.
“The Sama-Bajau Weaving and Cultural Center is a symbol of hope and empowerment,” said YBH co-founder Dr. Anton Lim. “It preserves heritage, strengthens livelihoods, and inspires future generations to learn.”
The building itself reflects the community’s traditions. Architect Peach Buencamino drew inspiration from stilt houses, while artist AG Saño added a mural that speaks of resilience and growth. Inside, an exhibition curated by Janine Cabato highlights eleven indigenous weaving patterns, each one a record of the community’s memory and identity. A video installation documents the painstaking process of preparing pandan leaves and weaving them into finished pieces, giving visitors a closer look at the skill involved.
For the Sama-Bajau families of Maluso, the center ties together education, livelihood, and heritage. It is a practical space for work and income, but also a cultural anchor—ensuring that weaving remains part of everyday life and continues to shape the identity of the community.