First Lady meets Magsaysay Award-winning Lao weaving entrepreneur

VIENTIANE — First Lady Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos met a Ramon Magsaysay Awardee during her visit to the Lao People's Democratic Republic for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

Trained as a nurse, Laotian social entrepreneur Kommaly Chanthavong received the award in 2015 for her role in organizing impoverished rural women into a silk-weaving group that eventually grew into various large-scale handicraft projects.

"What a lovely surprise to meet 2015 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee -- Mrs. Kommalay Chanthavong -- during the ASEAN spouses’ program in Vientiane. Starting with just 10 weavers, she built a network across 35 villages, empowering over 450 artisans and reviving Laotian silk weaving!" Marcos said.

 

 

 

 

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"Her daughter, Ms. Loc Mulberries, introduced herself to me and shared stories about how she was proud to continue her mother’s legacy," she added.

Marcos said she in turn told them about Likha and the work being done by Filipino weavers who have preserved the heritage while creating sustainable livelihoods for their community.

She also participated in the Spouses’ Program, which includes a visit to the Art of Silk and the Textile Treasures of Lao PDR. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA Integrated News