National Living Treasures: Yabing Masalon Dulo

Yabing Dulo, a revered master of ikat dyeing, is believed to be over a century old, though her official records mark her birthdate as August 14, 1910. Born in Amgu-o, a small settlement within Landan, South Cotabato, she has witnessed profound changes in her environment and community. Once a lush, forested area rich in biodiversity, Amgu-o is now a dry, exposed landscape, stripped of its ancient trees and transformed by industrialization and agricultural expansion. Despite these changes, Fu Yabing (a title of respect meaning "elder") has preserved the exquisite tradition of ikat dyeing, a craft deeply rooted in the cultural and natural heritage of the Blaan people.

The Art of Ikat and Its Cultural Roots

Fu Yabing’s artistry is deeply connected to the forests of her youth, where the Blaan people lived in harmony with nature. The forests provided not only the raw materials for weaving, such as lutáy (abaca or Musa textilis), but also the natural dyes derived from barks, roots, and leaves. These materials were used to create intricate ikat textiles, a tradition shared by several indigenous groups in Mindanao and across Southeast Asia. The process of ikat dyeing involves tying and dyeing warp threads before weaving, a technique that requires both scientific knowledge and artistic imagination. For the Blaan, this craft was more than an art form; it was a way of maintaining equilibrium between human, natural, and spiritual realms.

A Century of Change

Fu Yabing’s lifetime has spanned a period of radical transformation. The arrival of American colonialists in the early 20th century brought industrialized agriculture, including vast pineapple plantations that displaced the Blaan from their ancestral lands. The forests that once sustained their way of life were cleared, and the traditional systems of reciprocity and exchange were replaced by a market economy. Christian evangelization further disrupted Blaan cultural practices, though Fu Yabing and her husband remained steadfast in their animist beliefs and commitment to their craft.

Despite these upheavals, Fu Yabing continued to weave using wild lutáy until it became nearly impossible to source. Her dedication to quality and tradition set her apart, even as the broader Blaan community adapted to new realities. Her textiles, characterized by their stunning geometric patterns and vibrant colors, bear a striking resemblance to century-old Blaan pieces preserved in museums.

Legacy and Recognition

Fu Yabing’s artistry gained national recognition when she was awarded the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) in 2016, honoring her as a National Living Treasure. Her work has since attracted widespread admiration, and she has become a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation. With the support of her grandniece, Arjho Cariño Turner, and others, efforts have been made to connect her craft with the modern market in ways that respect its cultural significance.

Fu Yabing’s life and work are a testament to the enduring power of tradition in the face of change. Her ikat textiles are not just beautiful artifacts but also a link to a vanishing world where art, nature, and spirituality were deeply intertwined. Through her craft, Fu Yabing has preserved a vital part of Blaan heritage, ensuring that the stories and skills of her ancestors continue to inspire future generations. Her quiet strength and unwavering dedication have made her a revered figure, not only among the Blaan but also in the broader Filipino cultural landscape.