𝗛𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗬𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗜𝗬𝗔𝗚 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

The Habing Katutubo community proudly celebrates another meaningful milestone as founder and cultural fashion advocate Maila Alog was recognized on May 14, 2026 during the BIYAG Festival 2026 of the Benguet Provincial Government as one of the recipients of the prestigious IYAMAN Awards, receiving a Special Citation in Fashion.

The recognition was awarded during the festival’s closing and awarding ceremonies attended by Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas, Hon. Alexander T. Fianza, Hon. Johannes A. Amwase, together with artists, cultural advocates, youth leaders, and various stakeholders supporting the preservation and promotion of Benguet’s heritage and creativity.

Following the ceremony, Alog shared a message of gratitude on social media, expressing appreciation to the Benguet Provincial Government, the organizers of BIYAG Festival 2026, and the many individuals who continue supporting Indigenous-centered creative initiatives and cultural work.

For Habing Katutubo, the recognition reflects years of continuing advocacy dedicated to promoting authentic Filipino Indigenous textiles, strengthening collaborations with weaving communities, and creating contemporary platforms where culture and fashion can meaningfully coexist.

Rooted in her paternal heritage from Bokod, Benguet, Alog has continuously championed Indigenous-inspired fashion through initiatives such as Habing Katutubo Collective Inc. on the national stage, Indigenous Fashion and Beyond (IFB) on the international stage, and M.A. Woven Designs through wearable contemporary cultural fashion.

Beyond fashion presentations, these initiatives aim to create spaces for cultural dialogue, appreciation, and visibility for Indigenous artistry while encouraging responsible and respectful representation of traditional weaving traditions.

Through IFB or Indigenous Fashion and Beyond, Alog also seeks to bring Indigenous and Ibaloy artistry onto the international stage by connecting creatives, designers, artisans, and diaspora communities through fashion, storytelling, and cultural exchange.

The recognition likewise honors the many Indigenous weavers, artisans, cultural bearers, creatives, and partner communities who continue preserving traditional craftsmanship despite the challenges of modernization and the evolving creative industry landscape.

As BIYAG Festival 2026 celebrated the culture, identity, and aspirations of Benguet, the recognition of a Habing Katutubo founder highlighted the growing appreciation for Indigenous-inspired fashion not only as creative expression, but also as a platform for cultural continuity, empowerment, and heritage preservation.