Empowering Indigenous Craft Sustainability: Eco-Friendly Dyeing in Bamboo Weaving by the Teduray Women of Maguindanao, Philippines

This study investigated the sustainability of bamboo dyeing enterprises led by the Teduray Women’s Organization in Barangay Bugawas, Datu Odin Sinsuat, and Maguindanao del Norte. Emphasizing local bamboo craft preservation, this research identifies critical socioeconomic and environmental challenges that impact the long-term viability of these traditional practices. The study systematically reviews relevant literature using a qualitative research design and content analysis, assessing sustainable strategies within indigenous weaving and eco-friendly dyeing techniques. Anchored by the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV) Theory, the research explores sustainable development by aligning natural resource management with community-driven environmental stewardship. Findings reveal that Teduray’s cultural heritage, transmitted through generational knowledge and sustainable resource use, is vital for both the resilience of local ecosystems and the economic stability of the bamboo dyeing industry. The study highlights the roles of the Ministry of Science and Technology-BARMM and local government units in fostering a supportive policy framework to enhance market access, product stewardship, and waste reduction. Recommendations include integrating modern ecological knowledge with traditional practices, promoting collaborations between Teduray weavers and government stakeholders, and establishing policies that ensure renewable resource use. This framework aims to empower the Teduray community to sustain its cultural legacy while contributing to regional economic growth and environmental conservation efforts, aligning with global sustainable development goals.