Maybank Foundation and ANTHILL Fabric Gallery celebrated the groundbreaking of the Maybank Women Eco-Weavers ANTHILL Weaving Training Centre in Argao, Cebu—the first such facility in the Philippines and the programme’s expansion into its fifth ASEAN country.
The ceremony at Maayo Argao Hotel was attended by Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, Chairman of Maybank Group & Maybank Foundation; Maybank Foundation trustees; senior executives; and Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, alongside Philippine officials including Argao Mayor Allan M. Sesaldo.
The training centre, scheduled for completion by end-July 2025, will serve as a flagship hub for weaving training, capacity building, and zero-waste weaving practices. A symbolic highlight was the handover of a vibrant tapestry woven from zero-waste fabric to Nanay Auring, landowner and head weaver of the Hablonan Ni Lauriana weaving community.
“This centre embodies our purpose and values at their core,” said Tan Sri Zamzamzairani. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to humanising financial services by empowering women, preserving woven heritage, and creating economic opportunities where they are most needed.”
Maybank Foundation CEO Izlyn Ramli said the programme aims to train 50 women weavers and support 10 abaca farmers in its inaugural Philippine year, creating a community-led circular economy.
Future expansion includes a comprehensive facility in Bukidnon province integrating weaving, natural dye education, and fibre production, plus Metro Manila operations for urban artisan networks.
Launched in 2016, the programme has trained over 1,900 women weavers and supported more than 2,250 natural fibre farmers across ASEAN. The Philippines expansion introduces abaca farming for the first time, widening the fibre base.
“The weaving traditions of the Philippines are a testament to our people’s creativity, resilience, and cultural identity,” said Department of Tourism’s Judy Dela Cruz Gabato. “This initiative will help ensure that our cultural narratives continue to thrive and inspire future generations.”
Ambassador Castelino said, “As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship this year, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a region that is inclusive, sustainable, and rooted in cultural heritage. The Maybank Women Eco-Weavers Programme embodies this vision by generating significant opportunities for women and safeguarding traditional craftsmanship.”
The milestone coincides with Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, reinforcing cross-border cooperation and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025.
