MARAGONDON, CAVITE — In a town where weaving traditions date back to the 1700s, every thread tells a story. And this shawl carries centuries of them. This handwoven piece from Likhang Maragondon and its weaving arm Habing Cavite represents more than just a beautiful accessory. It is a testament to resilience—a craft revived from the brink of extinction, and a community rebuilt one loom at a time.
A Craft Revived from the Brink of Extinction
Likhang Maragondon was founded in 2019 by Catherine "Therine" Diquit-Jennerman, a social entrepreneur who returned to her hometown with a mission: to save a dying tradition. At the time, only two elderly weavers remained in Maragondon, and the town's handloom weaving heritage, which had flourished for over three centuries, was on the verge of disappearing. Therine worked tirelessly to reverse that, training a new generation of artisans, securing DOST-supported looms, and introducing sustainable fibers through collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute.
A Multi-Awarded Social Enterprise
Today, Likhang Maragondon is a multi-awarded social enterprise with 15 awards to its name. It has represented the Philippines in Japan, been featured in Vogue Philippines, and collaborated on the KAWAYARN bamboo textiles project. Habing Cavite, the enterprise's weaving arm, produces handloom textiles using natural fibers—including cotton, pineapple blends, and bamboo—woven on traditional wooden looms, with patterns developed in-house and refined through research-based innovation. Every piece is accompanied by detailed information on its origin, fiber composition, dimensions, and care instructions, because Likhang Maragondon believes that every woven piece deserves to be understood and appreciated beyond its beauty.
More Than Just a Purchase
When you purchase a Likhang Maragondon piece, you are doing more than buying a shawl. You are supporting local artisans—many of whom are stay-at-home parents, solo parents, PWDs, and senior citizens—preserving a heritage that nearly vanished, and investing in sustainable livelihoods for a community that has woven for generations. The specific product showcased here features royal blue and yellow colors, measures 22 inches by 70 inches, and is made from 100% natural cotton that is lightweight, breathable, and soft. This shawl is not just royal blue and yellow; it is the color of a tradition revived, a community empowered, and a craft that refused to be forgotten.
