After years of armed conflict, ‘Products of Peace’ and weaving provide Filipino women with a platform for empowerment

In 2017, Marawi became the epicentre of a devastating five-month siege, a conflict that reduced the city to rubble and scattered its people. Reporting for Al Jazeera, Alindogan bore witness to the relentless suffering of civilians—particularly women and children—trapped in the heart of the violence.

Two months into the siege, she met Salam, a woman whose tale of hardship and survival resonated deeply. “As a mother myself, her story struck a chord,” Alindogan reflects. “I thought, why not establish a centre right there, offering support to those who need it most?”

With support from the Philippine military, Alindogan founded crisis centres, toy libraries, and sanctuaries for displaced women and children. In these spaces of refuge, she encountered a woman in a niqāb who introduced her to a nearly forgotten craft—traditional weaving, a skill passed down from her late grandmother.

“None of these women were weavers before the war,” Alindogan explains. “They were teachers, business owners. We saw an opportunity to use weaving as both therapy and economic empowerment.”

Amid the constant threat of violence, women began to weave. Their stories were transformed into textiles, the patterns becoming a visual narrative of their experiences—bombs dropping on homes interwoven with symbols of resilience and hope.

The success of the Marawi weaving programme inspired Sinagtala to expand its efforts to other conflict-ridden areas, including Jolo in Sulu province. Here, the initiative took a bold step, involving the families of former rebels and slain militants—wives, widows, daughters, and orphans—offering them a way to rebuild their lives.

One of the initiative’s most poignant outcomes is a contemporary tapestry that melds traditional Tausug patterns with modern designs, illustrating a bridge between a “painful past” and a “hopeful future.” These textiles serve as a medium for women to express their grief, love, aspirations, and dreams, woven into fabrics that carry their stories to the world.

Parallel to Sinagtala’s efforts, the Bayo Foundation has championed sustainability and community development through fashion through the Harvest brand. In collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), they launched the programme in 2019 to repurpose decommissioned military uniforms into new textiles, providing sustainable livelihoods for soldiers’ families.

“These uniforms have fought for peace,” says Anna Lagon, co-CEO and chief creative officer of BAYO. “Now, they are being transformed into something beautiful and functional by the families of the soldiers, symbolising honour and resilience.”

This initiative addresses environmental concerns by upcycling materials while also providing financial stability and a sense of purpose to military families. The handwoven fabrics, crafted from military uniform offcuts, stand as a testament to the transformative power of sustainable practices intertwined with social responsibility.

What makes these initiatives remarkable is their inclusive approach, bringing together individuals from opposing sides of historical conflicts. Families of former rebels and military families now work in parallel, united by common goals of healing and prosperity.

“We’re all Filipinos,” Alindogan emphasises. “Regardless of where we stand politically, a loss of life is a loss for us all. Through weaving, these women are not just earning an income; they are reclaiming their narratives, fostering understanding, and promoting reconciliation.”

Success stories are abundant. In Jolo, a young woman whose father was an Abu Sayyaf fighter killed in combat, found solace and purpose in weaving. Once filled with resentment towards the military, she has now made peace with her past and is pursuing higher education with support from a retired AFP general.

Similarly, in Marawi, women have transitioned from victims of war to community leaders and entrepreneurs. They have established independent weaving cooperatives, managing finances and participating in broader societal roles, showcasing the profound impact of economic and political participation.

“Everything we do, whether as doctors, journalists, soldiers, or artisans, should contribute to the repair and strengthening of our country,” Alindogan asserts.

Related: Philippines’ National Living Treasures: 9 Filipino masters receive Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Award

The convergence of traditional crafts, social empowerment, and sustainable practices offers a compelling model for post-conflict rehabilitation and community building. These initiatives demonstrate how culturally rooted practices can become powerful tools for healing and economic development.

“Fashion and nation-building are not mutually exclusive,” Alindogan says. “They shouldn’t be. Everything we do should, in some way, contribute to repairing and strengthening our country.”

As these woven fabrics find their way into local and international markets, they carry with them stories of resilience, unity, and hope. They invite consumers not just to purchase a product, but to participate in a narrative of peace and transformation.

Learn more at productsofpeace.ph.

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