Republic of the Philippines

NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

‘‘The Golden Strand: Preserving the

Intricate Art of Maranao Weaving’’

Presented by:
Bautista, Joanna Marie A.
Cortez, Richard F.
Digandang, Nazhmirah M.
Macario, Jan Kervin P.
Macario, Karlyn Joy R.
Manubay, Dan Hill S.
Usman, Almida B.
Valdez, Eiron Gian B.
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

I. Review of Related Literature

The Maranao are an esteemed ethnic group indigenous to Mindanao, Philippines,
historically centered around the magnificent Lake Lanao. Known as the "people of the lake,"
their identity is inextricably linked to this deepest and second-largest lake in the country, which
serves as both a life source and a geographical heartland. They are celebrated for a rich cultural
heritage, notably their traditional arts, vibrant cuisine, and expressive dances. Central to their
visual culture is the okir design, an elaborate motif of scrolls, leaves, and vines that permeates
their architecture and crafts. Their traditional weaving, particularly of the malong fabric, is a
profound cultural expression and a potent symbol of identity. These intricately woven textiles,
used in daily life, rituals, and ceremonies, showcase the weaver's exceptional skill, with each
design and color combination conveying complex symbolic meanings reflective of their distinct
legacy and indigenous worldview.
A significant Maranao community resides in Cabanatuan City, specifically concentrated
in barangays like Nabao, Imelda, Aduas, and Sangitan, with Rizdelis hosting the largest
population. The Maranao tribe is historically renowned for its rich tradition of weaving, which
produces not only cultural attire, such as the malong, but also various valuable and significant
household items. This practice, typically mastered by women and passed down through
generations, is crucial both as a viable livelihood source and a fundamental means of preserving
cultural identity. However, following their migration to Cabanatuan City, particularly to Rizdelis,
the community has faced a profound lack of opportunities to continue this ancestral practice.
Despite possessing the necessary skills and eagerness to weave, their capacity is severely limited
by the need for financial and organizational assistance to secure the necessary materials and
equipment, making this project an urgent initiative.

Maranao Cultural Capitalization and Preservation Program (MCCPP) is dedicated to the

preservation and continuation of the Maranao people's traditional weaving heritage. This
initiative will not only showcase the rich culture and artistry inherent in Maranao textiles but also
provide a critical pathway for socio-economic stability. Specifically, the project will establish
sustainable livelihood opportunities for Maranao women, empowering those who work from
home. Furthermore, the program plays a crucial educational role for Maranao youth born in
Cabanatuan City, many of whom lack complete knowledge of their traditional weaving or
ancestral culture, thus bridging a significant generational gap. By producing authentic, locally-
made garments, the initiative resolves the current challenge of attire scarcity, ensuring that
cultural performances can continue with integrity and authenticity, ultimately strengthening the
community’s collective pride and visibility.
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

II. Conceptual/Theoretical Framework

This program is fundamentally grounded in the Cultural Policy Framework (CPF), which
moves beyond viewing culture as merely aesthetics and positions it as a critical resource for
human development, social cohesion, and economic vitality. This program operationalizes the
CPF by recognizing Maranao weaving, particularly the malong and okir designs, as a public
good and a vital component of the community's living heritage that requires active conservation.
In the context of the Maranao migration in Cabanatuan City, the program directly addresses the
threat of cultural erosion among the youth by facilitating intergenerational knowledge transfer,
ensuring that identity and pride which are often linked to tangible cultural practices like weaving
are strengthened. This framework legitimizes the initiative not just as a craft workshop, but as a
deliberate social policy intervention designed to maintain the community's distinct cultural
integrity in a new environment.

Furthermore, the CPF provides the lens through which the program’s dual objectives of
cultural preservation and sustainable livelihood are harmonized. The program treats traditional
weaving not as an obsolete skill, but as a viable economic asset. By training 30 women and
youth in Rizdelis, the initiative directly translates cultural capital into economic opportunity,
fostering self-sufficiency and empowerment among Maranao women who primarily stay at home.
This aligns perfectly with the CPF's mandate to utilize culture for grassroots economic
development, ensuring the financial viability of the tradition itself. The revenue generated from
the sale and rental of authentic products, including the much-needed cultural attire for local
groups like ADIBAI, creates a market mechanism that ensures the long-term sustainability of the
weaving practice, making its continuity dependent on its success as a micro-enterprise.

Finally, the program’s focus on community engagement and awareness is a core output of
the Cultural Policy Framework. The plan to conduct online promotion, mini-exhibits, and formal
cultural documentation ensures that the value of Maranao weaving extends beyond the
participants to the wider public in Cabanatuan City and beyond. This public outreach transforms
a private skill into a shared community asset, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.
The comprehensive management structure, which includes a Maranao Advisory Council, ensures
that the implementation remains culturally sensitive and authentic, a paramount concern under
the CPF. By embedding cultural integrity at the decision-making level, "The Golden Strand"
exemplifies the successful application of the Cultural Policy Framework to achieve holistic
outcomes: strengthening identity, creating jobs, and ensuring the continuity of a magnificent art
form.
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

III. Objectives of the Study

 To revitalize the authentic Maranao weaving tradition, including complex techniques and
okir motifs, ensuring its continuity and preservation within the Cabanatuan community.
 To establish a sustainable and income-generating livelihood platform through weaving,
empowering Maranao women and providing them with continuous economic opportunities.
 To facilitate intergenerational knowledge transfer by engaging Maranao youth in
comprehensive training and awareness programs.
 To ensure that all cultural showcases effectively integrate educational content on Maranao
attire usage and okir significance, thereby enhancing the connection between the weavers
and the buyers and fostering respect for the Maranao cultural heritage.
 To establish and operationalize a community-managed weaving cooperative within Rizdelis
that is capable of managing production schedules, quality control, and financial records,
ensuring the long-term, self-sustaining viability of the enterprise.

IV. Formulation of Alternatives

Alternative 1: Integrated Cultural Enterprise
Establish a Weaving Production and Training Center in Rizdelis focused on high-quality
production of malong, simultaneously offering extensive training to 30 women and youth. The
center operates as a social enterprise, using generated revenue to cover operational costs,
replenish materials, and sustain the livelihood of the weavers.
Scientific Data/Support
This model aligns with the findings of the Cultural Policy Framework (CPF), which
emphasizes that long-term cultural survival is dependent on economic viability (Throsby, 1999).
Studies on Indigenous enterprises show that ventures linked to cultural arts have higher success
rates in fostering communal ownership and social capital compared to generic economic
programs. Furthermore, the intergenerational learning model built into the training ensures
knowledge retention, addressing the "cultural erosion" problem directly.

Alternative 2: Skills Training for Employment Only

Partner with a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
accredited institution to offer a generic, certified textile production and weaving course. The
focus is solely on productivity, quality control, and maximizing output, potentially using modern
looms and non-traditional designs favored by the commercial market.
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Scientific Data/Support:
This alternative is strongly supported by Human Capital Theory, which links specialized
skills training to increased income potential (Becker, 1964). However, case studies on
Indigenous crafts show that decoupling the skill from its cultural and symbolic context leads to a
devaluation of the craft and a loss of identity, making the economic model less resilient and
culturally unsustainable over time.

Alternative 3: Small-Scale Weaving Cooperative

Facilitate the creation of a small, self-managed Weavers' Cooperative with 5-10 members.
The program would provide only the initial seed capital for threads like silk and cotton and
minimal shared equipment, with participants contributing their own labor and handling all
marketing and training organically.
Scientific Data/Support
This is based on the Cooperative Model of Economic Development, which emphasizes
collective action and democratic management. While providing participants with autonomy,
studies by the International Labour Organization (ILO) on micro-enterprises suggest that a lack
of adequate capacity building and insufficient capitalization often leads to early failure, limiting
scaling potential and market access.

Alternative 4: Adopt-a-Weaver Patronage Model

The program establishes a Patronage or Sponsorship Program where individuals,
Maranao professionals, or small businesses commit to annually funding a specific weaver or a
specific piece of equipment. The funds are channeled directly into supporting the weaver's
material costs, training stipend, and family support, ensuring continuous income. The program's
role shifts to managing the donor relationship, tracking outcomes, and providing cultural
narratives to the patrons.
Scientific Data/Support
This utilizes the principles of Crowdfunding and Direct Philanthropy, which have proven
effective in sustaining arts and craftspeople globally. Research indicates that donors are more
likely to commit to long-term support when they can see a direct, personal connection and
impact on a single beneficiary, enhancing the program's sustainability through a diversified,
recurring revenue stream.
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Alternative 5: Government-Subsidized Cultural Attire Rental/Loan Program

Secure direct government or NGO funding to purchase ready-made Maranao cultural
attire from existing producers in Mindanao and establish a subsidized Rental and Loan Program
in Cabanatuan City for local cultural groups like ADIBAI. This solves the scarcity issue
immediately but provides no direct livelihood or skill training for the Rizdelis community.
Scientific Data/Support
This aligns with immediate Social Service Provision goals, efficiently solving a tangible
problem. However, it fails the test of Local Economic Multiplier Effect. By outsourcing
production, the program misses the opportunity to cycle funds back into the Rizdelis community,
perpetuating their reliance on external suppliers and failing to achieve the core objectives of
livelihood and cultural transmission within the target area.

V. Draft a program proposal using this template.

Program Title: Maranao Cultural Capitalization and Preservation Program (MCCPP)
Title of Project Rationale Estimated Duration Responsible Intended Outcome
Cost Persons
1. Golden Maranao community in 393,425.00 5 months Project Manager, The project will
Rizdelis, Cabanatuan Finance Officers,
Strand: Maranao, revitalize Maranao
City, risks losing its
Preserving the weaving tradition due to Advisory Council, weaving,
lack of materials and Cultural
Intricate Art of Researcher, establishing a
resources. This project
Maranao addresses cultural Community sustainable
erosion and livelihood Liaison Officer,
Weaving Training livelihood for 30
disruption by training 30
women and youth, Coordinator, women and youth.
establishing a Product,
Development This strengthens
sustainable weaving
enterprise, and ensuring Specialist, cultural identity,
access to authentic Marketing and
Promotions ensures
cultural attire, thus
Officer,
preserving heritage and intergenerational
Monitoring and
empowering the
Evaluation skill transfer, and
community.
Officers
provides local
access to authentic
cultural attire for
community use.
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

VI. Draft a project proposal based from your propose program proposal using this
template.

A. Project Title: “Golden Strand: Preserving the Intricate Art of Maranao Weaving”
B. Project Duration
The target duration for the core implementation of "The Golden Strand: Preserving the
Intricate Art of Maranao Weaving" is five (5) months (M1–M5), encompassing all activities
from initial community engagement and cultural documentation through skills training, product
development, livelihood establishment, and final project monitoring and evaluation.

C. Target Beneficiaries
The project target beneficiaries are the 30 Maranao individuals in Barangay Rizdelis, Cabanatuan
City, specifically women as custodians of the tradition and for livelihood and youth to ensure the vital
intergenerational transfer of skills, thereby guaranteeing the preservation of their cultural
heritage for future generations.
D. Project Cost
ITEM DESCRIPTION COST
Silk Thread Main weaving material 263*30*5 = 39,450.00
Cotton Thread Main weaving material 400*30*5 = 60,000.00
Backstrap Loom Traditional looms that used in weaving 1658*30 = 49,740.00
Basic Weaving These tools are composed of the following: 800*30 = 24,000.00
Tools Set Shuttle, Tapestry Beaters, Warping Board,
Reeds and Heddles, Spindle, Scissors, and
Measuring Tape, which will be used for
weaving.
Meals During Snacks will be provided to the weavers 70*30*65 = 136,500
Training throughout the weaving activities.
Transport and This amount is allocated for the shipment and 5,000.00
Delivery Costs transportation of all equipment needed during
the weaving activities.
Livelihood Support This livelihood support will be provided to the 2.000*30 = 60,000.00
weavers at the end of the training phase to
support their continued weaving activities and
promote livelihood sustainability.
The items produced by the weavers during the
five months of activities will be given to them,
along with ₱2,000 in pocket money. The
equipment will also be given to them, to be paid
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

in installments over 12 months, with no interest.

Contingency Funds This amount is allocated for unexpected 18,735
(5%) expenses that may arise during the weaving
activities
Total: 393,425.00

E. Executive Summary
The project proposal, "The Golden Strand: Preserving the Intricate Art of Maranao
Weaving," is a vital initiative designed to address the interconnected challenges of cultural
erosion and economic vulnerability facing the Maranao community in Rizdelis, Cabanatuan City.
The project’s central philosophy is that cultural heritage is a resource for development,
aiming to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to local weavers, particularly Maranao
women, and ensure the continuation of their ancestral tradition even away from their homeland.
The initiative is crucial for both the direct beneficiaries and the students presenting this proposal,
serving as a model for community-based cultural preservation.

The project is strategically focused on 30 beneficiaries Maranao women and youth, who
will be trained and equipped over an expected 5-month duration in the community of Rizdelis. A
core objective is to not only train the women but also the youth, ensuring they are fully equipped
and knowledgeable in Maranao weaving practices, thereby guaranteeing the critical
intergenerational transmission of skills. This endeavor will open opportunities for the
beneficiaries and the wider public, fostering a deeper understanding, appreciation, and respect
for the amazing artistry and beautiful practices of the Maranao tribe.

Successful implementation requires collective action and financial backing. The total
anticipated cost for the comprehensive program is ₱393,425, with funding secured from
collaborators including the Federation of Muslim Association in Cabanatuan City (FOMACC),
the Muslim Vendor Cooperative, and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos. The budget
reflects potential savings, as coordination with beneficiaries suggests the possible donation and
delivery of existing materials or tools from Marawi. Furthermore, initial coordination with the
overall president and community elders has secured approval for potential project venues, such
as the vacant second floor of the barangay hall.

To ensure effective, smooth, and accountable execution, the project incorporates strict
monitoring and evaluation measures. The management structure is led by a diverse team of
specialists, including a Project Manager, Finance Officer, Cultural Researcher, Community
Liaison Officer, and experts in training, marketing, and evaluation. This specialized team
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

guarantees that every aspect, from financial transactions to cultural sensitivity, is professionally
managed and tracked against project goals.

Crucially, the establishment of a Maranao Advisory Council is central to the project’s

management, providing cultural guidance and ensuring that all activities align with Maranao
traditions and values. Volunteers will also assist with manpower and communication. This robust,
community-guided management structure ensures that the project remains culturally authentic,
achieves its goal of strengthening Maranao identity, and successfully delivers both a sustainable
weaving enterprise and guaranteed local access to high-quality cultural attire.

F. Project Description and Contents

SDG
Goal Title Relevance to the Project
Number

It facilitates intergenerational knowledge transfer, ensuring

Quality
SDG 4 Maranao youth are fully equipped and knowledgeable about
Education
their traditional weaving practices, supporting lifelong learning.

It empowers Maranao women by providing them with economic

Gender
SDG 5 opportunities and control over a traditional, viable livelihood
Equality
source.

The project directly addresses this SDG by establishing a

Decent Work sustainable livelihood enterprise through weaving, which
SDG 8 and Economic supports job creation, entrepreneurship, and encourages the
Growth growth of formal, traditional micro, small, and medium-sized
enterprises (MSMEs) for the Maranao women and youth.

The project contributes to SDG 11 by strengthening efforts to

Sustainable
protect and safeguard the world's cultural and natural heritage. It
SDG 11 Cities and
preserves the intangible cultural heritage of the Maranao tribe
Communities
within the urban setting of Cabanatuan City.

Local and Regional Impact (Cabanatuan City & Central Luzon)

 Directly addresses LGU poverty reduction goals by establishing a sustainable, formal
cultural enterprise in Barangay Rizdelis, transitioning the Maranao community from
informal to organized employment.
 Enriches Central Luzon's cultural landscape by showcasing authentic Maranao okir and
malong weaving, serving as a local source for cultural attire and supporting regional identity
and performances.
 Offers a critical pathway for the Maranao migrant community to maintain cultural integrity
and gain economic stability, promoting integration and resilience in their new environment.

National Alignment (Philippines)

 Strongly aligns with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) that focus on Human Capital
Development and promoting creative and cultural industries as key drivers of inclusive
growth and job creation.
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COLLEGE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

 Adheres to the core mandate of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) by
protecting the Indigenous Peoples' right to cultural integrity and safeguarding the Intangible
Cultural Heritage (ICH) through the documentation and teaching of traditional weaving
skills.
 Supports the national commitment to gender equality and economic empowerment of
women (PCW-guided), positioning the Maranao women as key economic contributors.

G. Project Objectives
 To revitalize the authentic Maranao weaving tradition, including complex techniques and
okir motifs, ensuring its continuity and preservation within the Cabanatuan community.
 To establish a sustainable and income-generating livelihood platform through weaving,
empowering Maranao women and providing them with continuous economic opportunities.
 To facilitate intergenerational knowledge transfer by engaging Maranao youth in
comprehensive training and awareness programs.
 To ensure that all cultural showcases effectively integrate educational content on Maranao
attire usage and okir significance, thereby enhancing the connection between the weavers
and the buyers and fostering respect for the Maranao cultural heritage.
 To establish and operationalize a community-managed weaving cooperative within Rizdelis
that is capable of managing production schedules, quality control, and financial records,
ensuring the long-term, self-sustaining viability of the enterprise.

H. Activities and Methodology of Implementation

Activities Methodology of Implementation
1. Comprehensive Skills Training and Conducting a seminar and training on how to
Workshops make a tradition woven products.
2. Product Sales and Market Development Selling or renting all the ready made products
to all the people that is willing to buy.
3. Intergenerational Weaving Skills Direct and continuous transfer of traditional
weaving knowledge and the ability to create
authentic, marketable products from the
elders to the 30 beneficiaries.
4. Cultural Showcase and Attire Usage Showcasing all the handmade products to the
Protocol buyers. This includes educating buyers on the
proper way to wear traditional garments like
the malong and explaining the significance of
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NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

the okir designs, ensuring that buyers have a

complete understanding of the cultural value
and history of each product.
5. Cooperative Retail Outlet Setup and Securing a small, accessible space in Rizdelis
Inventory Management for the sales outlet. Implement a simple
inventory and cost-based pricing
[Link] a Visual Merchandising
workshop to brand products and create an
appealing display, highlighting authentic
Maranao weaves.

References

Alvina C., et Al., (2020). “The Philippines: Cultural Policy Profile”.

[Link]
Bangsamoro Commission for the Presevation of Cultural Heritage (2022). “Meranao: People of
the Lake”. [Link]
DelaMarca, A., (2022). Craft Design Using Indigenous Materials.
[Link]

Hesse, l.,et Al. (2023). “The contribution of crowdfunding for philanthropy: A systematic review
and framework of donation and reward crowdfunding”.
[Link]
National Commission on Indigenous People (2020). “Peoples of the Philippines: Maranao”.
[Link]
philippines/maranao/
National Cooperative Business Association Clussa International (2022). How to Create
Economic Growth with Cooperatives. [Link]
growth-with-cooperatives/

Ross, S. (2025). “Understanding Human Capital Theory: Importance and Application”.

[Link]
Santos, K., (2018). “Weaving of Dreams: Maranao Collectibles, Marawi City”.
[Link]
Sustainable Directory (2025). “Cultural Policy Framework”. [Link]
[Link]/term/cultural-policy-framework/
Tawano, D., (2025). “An ethnographic Study of Existing Meranaw Traditional Handicrafts”.
[Link]
anaw_Traditional_Handicrafts
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

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UNESCO (2020). “Culture 2025 - A National Cultural Policy Framework to 2025”.

[Link]
policy-framework-2025