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Monday, October 31, 2005
Abaca rehab undertaken for preservation of T'nalak
GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- With the aim to preserve the world-renowned T'nalak cloth of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, agriculture officials and local stakeholder have started the massive rehabilitation of abaca plantations in the town.
Abaca fiber is the major raw material in producing the T'nalak, a traditional cloth worn by T'bolis.
South Cotabato chief agriculture officer Reynaldo Legaste said a nursery was already established in Sitio Lamkwa in Barangay Klubi, Lake Sebu to boost abaca supply in the area.
Abaca production in Lake Sebu declined over the last few years due to disease infestation and lack of available planting materials.
"Although at present abaca supply is still enough to meet the demands of the T'nalak industry, there's a real danger of depletion later if we will not immediately address the situation," Legaste said.
Production of disease-free abaca tissue culture materials is being undertaken at the nursery operated by the Lake Sebu Rehabilitation, Conservation, and Development Council.
Janet Iko, chairperson of the Lake Sebu Indigenous Women Weavers Association Inc., said the provincial government gave them the fund to establish the nursery and to purchase abaca treated corms.
"This is a big help to us considering that our livelihood is anchored on the supply of abaca in the area," said Iko.
Last month, Lake Sebu's famed T'nalak and other indigenous artworks produced by T'boli natives caught the attention of trade promoters in the United States.
Maria Roseni Alvero, Philippine Trade Commissioner for the US Western Region, facilitated the trade affair dubbed "Philippines' T'boli Arts and Crafts Product Exhibit and Selling" held in San Francisco, California.
(October 31, 2005 issue)
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