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 transformed her commercial enterprise into a community-led preservation project.

"I want to bring back the glory days of the Isinay when it comes to weaving, because we were once known as one of the best weavers in the North," Laccay said.

Laccay has since expanded her perspective through international exchanges, including a visit to weaving communities in Sarawak, Malaysia. The trip highlighted how traditional practices can coexist with modern life, reinforcing her commitment to preserving ancestral techniques alongside contemporary methods.

Today, the revival provides both economic opportunities and cultural continuity. Young residents are learning the craft, enabling community members to earn a livelihood without leaving their families.

For Laccay, every handwoven textile carries historical weight.

"Every handwoven piece is an heirloom," she said. "People are investing in the art and the story that comes with it — a history you can wear and pass on to generations to come."

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