The Indigo Project: Reviving the art of traditional dye weaving

MANILA, Philippines - Indigo was once widely favored by the local weaving industry as a traditional way of adding color to fabrics due to its excellent resistance from fading or running. 

A collaborative network of non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations in South and Southeast Asia called Non-Timber Forest Products-Exchange Program (NTFP-EP) has started working on The Indigo Project, which reaches out to indigenous populations in upland and rural communities in the Philippines and Indonesia. 

These artisans include members of Mangyan Alangan, Mangyan Hanunoo and Mangyan Iraya of the island of Mindoro; Higaonon of Bukidnon, Palaw’anon and Tagbanua of Palawan, T’boli of South Cotabato, Maguindanao weavers and those of Negros.

In the Philippines, NTFP-EP partnered with CustomMade Crafts Center as its integrated design and marketing arm to give project beneficiaries proper skills training that will allow them to combine modern technology with age-old practices. CMCC is one of the social enterprises being supported by leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom.

Modi or Modern Indigenous, CMCC’s banner program, is a lifestyle line that fuses traditional crafts with contemporary design and function.

“When we started the Indigo Project, there were no takers. It was only Globe who really worked with us on this,” says Benilda Camba, NTFP-EP Enterprise development coordinator.

“Globe believes that everyone should have a share in the country’s economic growth that is why we continue to focus on underserved communities which we can help by providing sustainable livelihood programs. Globe hopes to offer viable economic opportunities – and with these, new possibilities for prosperity,” said Fernando Esguerra, director of Globe corporate social responsibility.

Globe and CMCC have expanded the program in the province to benefit more subsistence farmers and to take advantage of the vibrant weaving industry in Aklan. 

In Madalag, from just one barangay Globe added 10 more to its list of supported barangays. Madalag grows Indigo plants whose leaves are eventually turned into powdered dye which CMCC buys to supplement the livelihood of the communities.