The JCI Manila–Kandama Partnership That’s Rewriting the Story of Weaving in the Philippines

An Interview with Victor Baguilat, CEO of Kandama Social Enterprise
By Dan Michael Gallego, Editor-in-Chief – The Asian Pearl

When purpose meets heritage, transformation happens not just in communities but in the lives of those who lead with heart. In Ifugao, this transformation takes the form of threads woven by women whose artistry preserves stories centuries old.

At the heart of this movement is Victor Baguilat, CEO of Kandama Social Enterprise (@kandamacollective), TEDx Speaker, TOYM 2022 Awardee, Global Innovation Olympics Champion, and Vogue Italia Featured Designer. Through Kandama, Victor has revived the weaving traditions of his hometown while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for indigenous women.

In partnership with JCI Manila, Kandama is rebuilding the Julongan Weaving Center in Kiangan, Ifugao—a space that represents continuity, empowerment, and the beauty of culture woven into purpose. I sat down with Victor to talk about how it all began: his journey from self-discovery to social enterprise, and how this collaboration is helping weave hope for the next generation.

Dan: Victor, take me back to where it all started. how did Kandama begin, and what inspired your mission to preserve and promote indigenous weaving traditions?

Victor: Kandama began from a deeply personal journey of rediscovery and purpose. I was studying law at the time and fell into a period of depression and anxiety. It was an existential crisis that made me question what kind of impact I truly wanted to make in the world.

My heart led me back to my roots in Ifugao, where weaving has always been a sacred practice passed down through generations. My aunt encouraged me to revisit our local weaving traditions, and when I went back to Banaue, I was struck by the irony of imported, mass-produced goods being sold in one of the most culturally significant places in the Philippines.

I realized that our indigenous artisans, especially women, were struggling to make a living from their craft. Kandama was born from the desire to preserve our culture while creating sustainable livelihoods. We built an ecosystem that empowers weavers, provides training, donates handlooms, and co-designs pieces that merge indigenous artistry with modern fashion.

Every weave tells a story, and through Kandama, I wanted to make sure those stories continue: alive, relevant, and celebrated.

“Every weave tells a story. Kandama is about keeping those stories alive, and making sure they’re told proudly.”

Dan: That’s powerful. And what about the weaving center in Kiangan? How did the idea to rebuild it come up? What led to the rebuilding of the weaving center in Kiangan, Ifugao, and why was it important for the community?

Victor: It started from seeing how our weavers were working from cramped homes, makeshift corners, or under poor lighting. Some would even carry their looms from one spot to another just to find a good place to weave.

I realized we needed to create a permanent, dignified home for their craft, a space that honors their artistry and supports their livelihood. The new Julongan Weaving Center will have proper weaving stations, a childcare area for mothers, a training hall, a showroom, and even an Airbnb component for added income.

It’s more than just a building. It’s a symbol of continuity, of respect for our cultural heritage, and a reminder that art and livelihood can exist side by side.

Dan: And that’s where JCI Manila came in. How did the partnership with JCI Manila come about, and who were the key people involved in making the project possible?

Victor: The partnership came naturally because JCI Manila and Kandama share the same vision of empowering communities and creating sustainable impact.

When I presented the idea for the Julongan Weaving Center, JCI Manila immediately embraced it. Together, we launched the “Weave It to Life” campaign on June 2, 2025, at the Centro de Turismo in Intramuros.

The team from JCI Manila—led by Project Chairman JC Fetalvero and Co-Chairman Niven Kho, under the guidance of Director Joshua Rueben Aragon and Commissioners Dan Michael Gallego and Clarence Santos—played a crucial role in organizing, fundraising, and mobilizing support. Architect Christian Salandanan also brought the vision to life with a design that blends sustainability and cultural identity.

It’s a partnership built on shared purpose and proof that when people come together for the right reasons, real change happens.

“When organizations come together with shared purpose, we can weave real change into people’s lives.”

 

Dan: Every good story comes with challenges. What were yours? What were some of the biggest challenges during the rebuilding process, and how did you overcome them?

Victor: The biggest challenge was funding. Building in a remote area like Kiangan also meant dealing with logistics such as transporting materials through mountain terrain and ensuring the design was both sustainable and culturally appropriate.

We made sure to co-design the center with the community itself so that the weavers had ownership of it. That sense of involvement changed everything. With JCI Manila’s support and Architect Salandanan’s guidance, we were able to turn every obstacle into an opportunity to do things the right way—not just fast, but meaningful.

Dan: That’s beautiful. So, what’s been the impact so far? How has the weaving center changed the lives of local weavers and their families?

Victor: Even before completion, the impact is already visible. The weavers are hopeful and motivated, knowing something lasting is being built for them.

Once operational, the center will give them a comfortable and safe place to work, plus access to childcare so mothers won’t have to choose between family and livelihood. The showroom will connect them directly to buyers and tourists, giving their craft the visibility it deserves.

But what’s most inspiring is the renewed sense of pride. You can feel it, they now see their craft not as a struggle, but as something powerful and essential.

Dan: That’s incredible. Any particular moment that really stayed with you? Can you share a story that best captures the project’s impact?

Victor: There’s one that always comes to mind. A young weaver, Jhemar Guinulpian, once told me, “Kung hindi alam ng isa, tuturuan ng isa.” — “If one doesn’t know something, another will teach.” That simple line captures what we’re building: a community where knowledge and kindness are passed on, thread by thread.

Then there’s another story that’s heavier but unforgettable. One of our weavers shared that her daughter had been raped. She didn’t have the money to report the case, but through weaving, she earned enough to travel, go to DSWD, and file charges. That moment changed me. It showed me how empowerment takes many forms—sometimes, it’s as tangible as justice.

“Weaving isn’t just a livelihood. For some women, it’s a lifeline—a way to survive, to fight, to heal.”

Dan: Wow. That really shows what empowerment looks like. So how do you make sure the center keeps going for years to come? What steps are being taken to make sure the weaving center remains sustainable?

Victor: From the very beginning, we designed it to be self-sustaining. The center will function not only as a weaving hub but also as a showroom and training venue. The Airbnb component will help fund its maintenance.

We’re also training young weavers and organizing summer programs so the tradition continues. Sustainability means giving the community real ownership, they’ll help manage and make decisions for the center.

We’re partnering with the Department of Tourism, AIM Center for Tourism, and JCI Manila to ensure long-term support and visibility. The structure itself uses eco-friendly materials that blend with Kiangan’s natural landscape.

For me, sustainability means continuity, making sure the threads we start weaving today will still hold strong generations from now.

Dan: Last question, Victor. What’s your message to young leaders reading this, especially those who want to make an impact but don’t know where to start?

Victor: Preserving culture isn’t about looking backward. It’s about moving forward with deeper roots. Our heritage isn’t meant to stay behind glass, it’s meant to be lived and shared.

If we want to create lasting impact, we need to build with communities, not just for them. Empowerment happens when people own their stories and shape their futures.

Cultural preservation and entrepreneurship are really two sides of the same thread. When we honor our culture, we strengthen our identity. When we empower others, we strengthen our humanity.

And I hope young leaders realize that sometimes, the greatest innovations come from our oldest traditions.

Dan: Couldn’t agree more. Thank you, Victor, not just for your time, but for reminding us what leadership with heart really looks like. This has been one of the most inspiring stories I’ve had the chance to tell, a story that proves how heritage and hope can coexist beautifully.

Victor: Thank you, Dan. It’s been an honor to share Kandama’s story and to work with JCI Manila in weaving hope, one thread at a time.

Editorial Note:

This interview was conducted by Dan Michael Gallego, Editor-in-Chief of The Asian Pearl. Through conversations like this, The Asian Pearl continues to highlight stories of innovation, empathy, and leadership; proof that even the smallest threads can hold a community together.