The Claret Samal Foundation Inc. (CSFI), in partnership with the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation (YBH), proudly announces the opening of the Sama-Bajau Weaving and Cultural Center in Sitio Teheman, Maluso, Basilan — a dedicated community space designed to empower Sama-Bajau women weavers, strengthen sustainable livelihoods, and safeguard the community’s rich cultural heritage.
Conceived as both a livelihood hub and a living cultural space, the center provides an environment where weavers can prepare materials, create, showcase, and sell their traditional pandan-woven crafts known as tepo. Beyond production, it serves as a venue for skills training, heritage education, and workshops that ensure knowledge is passed on to younger generations.