SURIGAO CITY — In a milestone that speaks far louder than sales figures, the Sama Bajau Magdakayo Homeowners Association, Inc. claimed the 2nd Highest Sales award among non-food exhibitors at the Karadjawan nan Surigao Trade Fair 2026. The recognition, conferred by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Surigao del Norte, marks a significant moment for a community whose heritage is deeply woven into the fabric of Surigao City's identity yet has historically remained on the margins of its economic life.
A Triumph of Skill, Heritage, and Enterprise
Behind the award stand products that carry generations of knowledge and craftsmanship. The association's booth featured handcrafted pearl products made by Sama Bajau women, traditional banig mats woven by elders using heritage techniques, native bags sewn with care and creativity, and handcrafted boats that reflect the community's deep connection to the sea. Each item represents not only a product for sale but a story of cultural survival and adaptation. By transforming these skills into market-ready goods, the Sama Bajau Magdakayo community demonstrated that their traditions possess not just cultural value but also tangible economic potential.
Building on a Foundation of Partnership and Support
The community's successful participation in the trade fair was made possible through a network of partnerships built over several years. The Huy-anan nan Bajau sa Surigao project, implemented by UN-Habitat Philippines with funding from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), has provided secure housing, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive development pathways for the Sama Bajau community. The project has expanded to benefit 24 families through donations of housing materials from Surigao City's private sector, complemented by UN-Habitat's labor and technical support. The City Government of Surigao has also played a vital role in creating opportunities and supporting the community's participation, while the DTI provided the platform through the Karadjawan Trade Fair.
A Milestone of Confidence, Dignity, and Pride
For the Sama Bajau community, the award represents more than commercial success. It is a validation of their skills, creativity, and potential to build opportunities for themselves when given the right platform and support. The recognition comes as the community continues to strengthen its role in local decision-making, with Barangay authorities granting them a permanent seat on the Barangay Development Council, and members appointed as community safety officers and health workers. This achievement is a testament to what can be accomplished when marginalized communities are empowered to participate fully in the economic and civic life of their city.
