Miag-ao weavers shine at DTI’s SSF Awards

The Baraclayan Weavers Association (BWA) emerged as a standout nominee for this year’s Best Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Project Awards during the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6’s annual SSF Mid-Year Assessment and Planning event held at the Goldberry Hotel on July 31, 2024.

The SSF Project, a flagship initiative of the DTI, aims to enhance the productivity and efficiency of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing them access to advanced technology and equipment.

The project fosters public-private partnerships to deliver machinery, tools, systems, and essential skills and knowledge to MSMEs.

BWA, representing their Loomweaving Center, is among the top contenders for the Best Shared Service Facility Project in Western Visayas.

They are joined by other nominees from Region 6, including SSFs for Sewing Facilities in Aklan, Animal and Livestock Feed Production in Antique, Calamansi Processing in Capiz, and Seafood and Veggie Noodle Processing in Negros Occidental.

BWA’s journey began in December 2018 when the small community of Brgy. Baraclayan in Miag-ao became a beneficiary of the SSF, with support from the Local Government Unit of Miagao.

The project initially provided seven steel handlooms and old wooden looms, which were housed in the barangay’s old chapel.

Despite limited space and structural challenges, the association grew from eight members to eighteen, eventually registering with the Cooperative Development Authority in 2019.

Today, BWA boasts a diverse range of products, including hablon cloth made of cotton, polycotton, polyAbaca, polyPiña, table linens, and tote bags.

Their clientele ranges from local patrons to high-ranking government officials. The association has expanded from its initial eight weavers to 32, with weavers’ weekly incomes improving significantly from PHP 1,000 to PHP 3,500 or more.

The success of BWA can be attributed to continued support and investment. In 2020, the project received additional steel handlooms, a wrapping frame, spooling wheel, and a manual sewing machine.

In 2023, the association added seven wooden looms with accessories, an edging machine, and an embroidery machine.

By the end of 2024, a two-story building for production and a showroom is planned, further boosting their operations.

“BWA has come a long way, thanks to the unwavering support of DTI Iloilo and LGU Baraclayan, Miag-ao,” said a representative from BWA. “Our growth and success are a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation.”

The entrepreneurial spirit in Iloilo continues to thrive, with initiatives like the SSF Project providing essential support to MSMEs.

As BWA looks to the future, they remain a shining example of how local industries can grow and prosper with the right support and resources.

For more information and updates, BWA can be reached through their social media page, Baraclayan Weavers Association.