UN agency helps mat weavers of Basilan’s Sama-Bajau community

MALUSO, Basilan — Colorful strips of pandan leaves hang from metal frames, sometimes swaying with a gust of wind, in the common economic facility in Maluso, Basilan. Sibiya Bahali, fondly called Inah Biri, is waiting for the long leaves that have been soaked in food color to dry. “This [drying…