Northwestern Panay towns team up to protect Pagrara weaving

By Sashah Dioso

PANDAN, Antique — The University of the Philippines Visayas Center for West Visayan Studies held consultations Aug. 6-7 to strengthen efforts to preserve and promote Northwestern Panay’s traditional Pagrara weaving.

The meetings were held at the UP Visayas Extension Campus in Antique in Barangay Nauring, Pandan.

On Aug. 6, representatives from the municipal governments of Libertad, Pandan, Ibajay, Nabas and Buruanga met with the Antique Provincial Tourism Office.

Participants discussed drafting a memorandum of understanding for a proposed alliance among local governments to safeguard and promote Northwestern Panay’s shared weaving heritage.

The proposed agreement initially covers Libertad and Pandan in Antique and Ibajay and Nabas in Aklan.

The four municipalities have participated in the Pagrara: Exploring Northwestern Panay Weaving Heritage project since its inception.

Buruanga representatives joined the consultations for the first time and expressed interest in participating in the initiative.

Participants recognized Pagrara as a shared cultural tradition and a potential source of livelihood, tourism activity and local economic development.

They stressed that sustained cooperation among the municipalities would be essential to preserving the craft and expanding its economic potential.

The Antique Provincial Tourism Office recommended ways to incorporate Pagrara into local tourism development programs.

Pagrara uses natural fibers such as abaca, bariw, buri and nito to produce mats, bags, carpets, hats, placemats and decorative items.

The practice has provided income to weaving communities, but UP research has identified challenges including low product prices, limited technology and declining interest among younger generations.

On Aug. 7, representatives from the Department of Education, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and partner municipalities explored ways to strengthen Pagrara-related education and skills training.

Participants reviewed existing policies and institutional programs that could support the protection, promotion and development of the weaving tradition.

They also considered strategies for integrating Pagrara into formal education and technical skills programs, including the resources needed for implementation.

The discussions covered the competencies and standards required to develop a Pagrara certification program.

Participants also examined the roles of DepEd, TESDA, local governments and other stakeholders in advancing the proposed initiatives.

Representatives came from TESDA offices in Aklan and Antique and the DepEd Schools Division of Antique.

Alternative Learning System teachers from the districts of Ibajay West, Ibajay East, Nabas, Pandan and Libertad also participated.

The Pandan municipal government sent representatives to the consultations.

The Pagrara project is implemented by the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies through its Local Regional Studies Network and the UP Visayas Center for West Visayan Studies.