How a Mother's Search for a Baby Wrap Revived a Forgotten Isinay Weaving Tradition
Jeannie Laccay’s Aruga Handwoven booth at the Likhang HABI Market Fair 2025 DUPAX DEL SUR, Nueva Vizcaya — What began in 2018 as a mother’s simple attempt to weave a baby wrap has sparked a cultural resurgence for the Isinay people of Nueva Vizcaya. Jeannie Laccay , founder of Aruga Handwovens , sat at a loom for the first time without realizing handweaving was part of her ancestry. "The revival was not intentional," Laccay said. "I did not know that we, the Isinay, had a weaving tradition because while growing up, it was never talked about." Her initial projects drew attention on social media, prompting requests from other mothers and leading her to launch her business. However, a 2020 relocation to her hometown of Dupax del Sur during the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped her mission. After learning about her ancestors' lost heritage from her mother, Laccay partnered with the provincial government to launch weaving workshops for local residents. The initiative t...
