Maribel Ongpin

She is the Chairman Emeritus and CEO of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to preserving indigenous textile practices, modernising the local textile industry, and supporting traditional weavers across the Philippines. Ongpin has been actively involved in initiatives to revive the Philippine cotton industry, working with farmers and government agencies to increase cotton production and improve the livelihoods of local weavers.

Under her leadership, HABI organises the annual Likhang HABI Market Fair, which showcases handwoven textiles and provides small and medium enterprises opportunities to market their crafts. She advocates for the use of natural fibres like cotton over synthetic alternatives to ensure better quality and fair compensation for farmers and weavers.