Recognizing the significance of weaving traditions to preserve the history of Antique, cultivate traditional knowledge and artistry, generate income and create opportunities for Antique, the province recently established weaving centers to boost the local textile industry.
In coordination with Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFiDA), Antique Rep. Loren Legarda supported the allocation to establish weaving centers in Antique.
Three weaving and processing centers were already established and turned over to beneficiaries, while another one is still ongoing construction.
Among the beneficiaries of the weaving and processing centers in the province of Antique is the Malabor Abaca and Piña Weavers Association (MAPWA) in Tibiao, which was established in March 2018 and is producing hand woven cloth made of abaca-silk, piña-silk, cotton and polyester.
Last year, two additional weaving and processing centers were established.
One was turned over to the Sto. Rosario Multipurpose Cooperative in Pandan, which is producing bags, mats, and other products made of abaca, bariw, pandan and other natural fibers.
The other was turned over to the Bagtason Loom Weavers Association (BLWA) in Bugasong.
The association is known for making “Patadyong” and other textiles made of cotton and polyester. Another weaving and processing center is currently being constructed in Patnongon to be utilized by the Patnongon Multipurpose Cooperative.
Aside from the weaving and processing centers that the beneficiaries use as a production and display area, they were also provided with handlooms, raw materials, dyeing implements, furniture, high-speed sewing machines, and other supplies that could assist them in increasing their production.
To enhance their skills and improve their crafts, various trainings were also provided to members of their organizations and cooperatives such as training on dyeing using natural dyes available in the locality; trainings on basic weaving and advance handloom weaving to enhance skills in design and color combination; and trainings on heddle making and bag making.
PhilFIDA also partnered with the Antique Development Foundation (ADF) for the conduct of training on abaca fiber extraction using hand-stripping device.
The ADF received four (4) handlooms with accessories to produce hand-woven products made of natural fiber, while 80 abaca farmer-beneficiaries received improved hand-stripping device to increase productivity of fiber producers and also to increase the fiber supply needed in the market.
In a bid to increase production of pineapple and cotton fibers, Legarda also supported the allocation under the Department of Agriculture (DA) through PhilFiDA for the established .25-hectare pineapple farm in Tibiao and the 6.65 hectares cotton farm in Patnongon.
Moreover, a cotton processing center is being constructed in Patnongon complete with machineries and equipment for the processing of seed cotton to yarn which, when fully operational, will supply cotton yarns to the local weavers in Region VI.
Local weaving communities were also given the opportunity to be recognized in the global scene in partnership with the National Museum.
Last year, representatives from the Malabor Abaca-Piña Weavers Association were sent to Prague, Czech Republic and Geneva, Switzerland to join the National Museum’s Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Travelling Exhibition and showcase the diversity of our traditional textiles.
(Photos from https://www.lakadpilipinas.com/2014/06/antique-buri-weaving-and-patadyong.html)
