GAMABA Awardee Magdalena Gamayo is weaving once again – this time using cotton that was grown locally, marking a revival of a centuries-old tradition that almost vanished.
First influenced by her aunt, Gamayo started learning weaving when she was 16, and from then on she taught herself various styles such as as “binakol” (whirlwind), “inuritan” (geometric pattern), “kusikos” (spiral form), and lastly, “sinan-sambong” (flowers). Eight decades later, she would then on become a master at this craft, recognized for her elaborate artworks.
On November 2012, Gamayo was awarded the National Living Treasure Award or the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, under R.A. 7355 by the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts and Proclamation No. 474. And in August 2024, President Bongbong Marcos declared Aug. 13, 2024 to Aug. 12, 2025 as the “Centennial Year of Manlilikha ng Bayan” for the Ilocano master weaver.
For years, local cotton production dwindled which forced weavers like Gamayo to use commercial threads instead. However, in celebration of National Arts Month in February, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute provided nine kilos of brown and six kilos of white ring-spun Philippine cotton yarn to the Gamaba Weavers Association. This action is intended to revive native cotton to promote local textiles as well as providing artisans with high-quality and sustainable yarns.
The recent reintroduction of Philippine-grown cotton into weavers represents a blend of heritage and sustainability. Weaving with native cotton enhances the fabric’s authenticity and quality and supports local agriculture, fostering a harmonious relationship between farmers and artisans. This ensures that the entire process, from the soil to the wooden loom, remains within the community, preserving traditional methods and promoting environmental awareness.
Gamayo is the oldest living master weaver – a testament to a woman’s resilience and endurance in her craft. Since weaving is a repetitive and heavy task, showcasing her commitment is a reminder of the value of handcrafted artistry. Her life highlights the importance of cultural preservation and the connection between art, community, and nature.
Gamayo has woven threads of history, tradition, and sustainability with only just her bare hands – the legacy of inabel woven in each piece, ensuring that this craft flourishes for generations to come.
