Dear Friends,

My name is Enzo Santos, and I am 16 years old. I am writing to ask for your support for a very special cause I’ve embarked on with my Tita Raquel and Tita Elgin in Manila —helping National Living Treasure Magdalena “Nana Dalen” Gamayo and the weavers of Pinili, Ilocos Norte.

At 101 years old, Nana Dalen still wakes up before dawn to weave inabel, the traditional Ilocano fabric she has mastered for nearly nine decades. She was honored in 2012 with the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) award—the highest recognition for Filipino artists preserving our indigenous culture. What amazes me most is her devotion: “I feel weak when I am not weaving,” she once said. Even now, she continues teaching the younger generation, ensuring that this centuries-old tradition will live on.

You can read more about her story here:

• At 100, National Living Treasure Nana Dalen continues to weave and teach (https://philstarlife.com/geeky/931204-national-living-treasure-nana-dalen)

• Ilocos Norte celebrates 101st birthday of national living treasure (https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1256507)

• And watch this feature video: YouTube (https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=qxUHF1dgzns0YUWF&v=_hwAC5oNuko&feature=youtu.be)

But behind the beauty of their weaving are challenges. Many of the elder weavers struggle with fading eyesight, poor lighting in the community weaving center, and limited resources to pass their knowledge on to younger generations.

That’s why I’m helping to raise funds for:

• Volunteer travel to Pinili to assist the community,

• Eye doctor check-ups and prescription glasses for fifty (50) aging weavers,

• Better lighting at the weaving center so they can continue their craft safely,

• Training support so the older generation can mentor and inspire the youth, and

• 101st Birthday merienda celebration at the center.

This is not just about weaving fabric—it is about weaving history, identity, and future opportunities. As a young Filipino American, I feel it is my responsibility to help preserve this heritage and to stand with the artisans who keep it alive.

I hope you will join me in supporting this cause. I’m targeting to raise $3,000 to complete the outreach before the end of the year. Your generosity will not only honor Nana Dalen’s lifelong work but also ensure that the gift of inabel continues to be passed down to future generations.

I will document my progress and share how your donations are used. Thank you for helping us keep this thread of tradition alive

With gratitude,

Enzo Santos

11th Grade, Boston College High School, Class of 2027