06/08/2026
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Bai Yabing Masalon Dulo was born on August 8, 1914, in Sitio Amgu-o, Barangay Landan, Polomolok, South Cotabato. She was blessed with three sons and one daughter and spent most of her life in the peaceful community of Tee Nga and Baksugok in Barangay Landan.
Yabing's life is an inspiring story of perseverance, dedication, and cultural pride. At a very young age, she developed a deep interest in the traditional Blaan weaving art known as Mabal Tabih. She first learned the craft by observing her mother, a highly skilled and disciplined master weaver. At the age of twelve (12), she began learning the intricate Mabal Tabih Ikat weaving techniques, gradually developing her skills while growing up in her village.
As a mother, Yabing was known for her independence and strong work ethic. She never depended solely on her husband to support the family. Aside from weaving, she devoted time to farming by planting root crops and vegetables to provide food for her household. However, weaving remained her greatest passion. Her mother was very strict and did not allow anyoneβincluding her own childrenβto touch her weaving materials or unfinished work. Determined to master the craft, Yabing patiently observed every step of the weaving process. Whenever her mother was away from home, she carefully practiced the techniques without disturbing her mother's work. She made sure everything was returned exactly as she had found it before her mother came home. Through patience, persistence, and countless hours of self-practice, she eventually mastered the entire weaving process on her own.
Throughout her lifetime, Bai Yabing represented the Blaan weaving community in numerous local, regional, and national exhibitions, conferences, and cultural symposiums. She became a respected cultural bearer and served as a mentor to many Blaan women, generously sharing her knowledge and weaving skills with communities in Lamlifew (Malungon), Tampakan, Tupi, General Santos City, Malungon, and Glan,Sarangani. Her dedication helped preserve and promote the rich weaving traditions of the Blaan people for future generations.
Yabing became recognized as one of the true masters of the Mabal Tabih weaving tradition. Her expertise was built through determination, patience, and an unwavering desire to learn despite the complexity and labor-intensive nature of the Ikat weaving process. During her time, Sitio Amgu-o was home to a group of highly skilled master weavers who were all experts in traditional Ikat weaving and were closely related by family ties. As the years passed, many of these master weavers were passed, leaving Bai Yabing Masalon Dulo as one of the last surviving master Blaan weavers who carried the complete knowledge and tradition of Mabal Tabih weaving.
Beyond weaving Mabal Tabih, Bai Yabing possessed remarkable craftsmanship in various traditional Blaan arts. She was skilled in mat weaving, basket weaving, embroidery, and intricate beadwork, demonstrating her versatility as an artisan. She was also a talented Libun Maral and enjoyed playing traditional Blaan musical instruments such as the Dwagay, a tube native bamboo, stainless can and nylon strings instrument, and the Del, a musical instrument crafted from hardwood.
Yabing Dulo received the prestigious Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA), also known as the National Living Treasures Award, in 2016. This distinguished recognition was conferred in honor of her exceptional mastery of mabal tabih (ikat weaving) and her invaluable contribution to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Blaan people. Through her dedication and artistry, she became a symbol of Filipino indigenous craftsmanship and an inspiration to future generations of weavers.
Yabing Dulo passed away in 2021, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of cultural excellence, traditional knowledge, and artistic heritage that continues to inspire and enrich the nation.
Yabing Masalon Dulo's life reflects resilience, humility, and an unwavering commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the Blaan people. Her legacy continues to inspire younger generations to value, protect, and carry forward the rich traditions of Mabal Tabih weaving, ensuring that this treasured indigenous art remains alive for generations to come.
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