Nene’s journey began when she was 16, inspired by her father’s dedication to helping others. This passion led her to become a community organizer, and in 2021, she founded the Women IP Sector of Limbaan Association (WIPSLIA)—a space for Indigenous women to thrive while keeping ancestral knowledge alive.
Starting with just 15 members, WIPSLIA grew to over 100, driven by shared values of inclusivity, gender equality, and cultural pride. “WIPSLIA is more than an organization. It’s a family,” Nene said. The group focused on revitalizing traditional crafts—handloom weaving, beadwork, and accessories—turning heritage into livelihood.
Support from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) program marked a turning point.
With access to weaving equipment, WIPSLIA scaled up production from two looms per day to as many as seven. What began as shawls and accessories soon expanded to Patadjung, Malong, macramé bags, Romblon crafts, and bamboo hats. Their product line evolved—but never strayed from its roots.
But as the group soared, life called Nene in a different direction. She took a private sector job, hoping to grow professionally. Yet something felt off.
"I left WIPSLIA because I found another opportunity where I could grow my career. I worked for a private company as a community organizer and was assigned to the Municipality of San Isidro, Davao del Norte. However, I realized that the job probably wasn’t for me because my heart remained focused on wanting to serve our IP community,” she said.
Without her, WIPSLIA struggled. Members left, projects stalled, and their vision dimmed.
In 2024, Nene returned—not just to pick up the pieces but to rebuild the foundation. Her comeback was marked by a bold move: Submitting a proposal to the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). Her faith was rewarded with a P1-million grant.
Nene said she strongly believes that members of their IP community possess talents and skills shaped by their culture. With proper support and opportunities, she emphasized, these abilities can be enhanced and utilized to further develop their community. So, upon her return, she prepared a project proposal and submitted it to PBSP.
Now, WIPSLIA is more vibrant than ever. Beyond crafts, the group runs workshops and mentorship programs, supporting 10 other IP groups in the region. Nene, once a teenage volunteer, has become a pillar of hope—guiding her people toward sustainable futures while honoring their past.
Her story reminds us that leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about the heart. It’s about returning when it’s hardest. It’s about lifting others with every thread woven into a better tomorrow. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
