A TOP banig supplier and trending bags manufacturer recognized seven weavers and artisans for their hard work and dedication to the banig-weaving industry in Basey, Samar.

"Our weavers (and artisans) served as backbone support of our existence and livelihood, so it is just proper to appreciate their sacrifices and be given recognition and incentives," said Ricky Bautista, proprietor of the Henry’s Banig Shop (HBS), during the 3rd Annual Weavers and Appreciation Day hosted by Bautista’s company on Sunday, December 27, 2020.

“We gave them what they long deserved -- appreciation," Bautista added.

The awardees were Elda Carillo, Arnel Naraja, Ma. Felda Quilitano, Ma. Mailyn Mendova, Marlie Bacayo, Anida Morales, and Marcelo Macalinga.

"Sa tagal ko na sa weaving, ngayon lang ako na-recognize, and thankful talaga kami sa Henrys Banig Shop, kasi sila lagi ang sumusuporta sa amin lalo na sa panahon ng pandemic. I am forever thankful to HBS for the opportunity to be part of the company," said the 52-year-old Carillo, who spent most of her life in the banig weaving craftmanship.

"Despite the movement restrictions imposed by the Inter-Agency Task Force, we are lucky to have continued our operations because we have so many loyal clients that patronized our products via online. We really tried our best not to stop because work stoppage means emptying the table of our workers and it will really hurt the economy," added Lizel Bautista, production supervisor and co-owner of HBS.

The awardees received glass plaques, cash gifts, and other Christmas gift items.

Meanwhile, Bautista disclosed that the banig weavers in Basey continued to show “dedication and love for work” amid the threat of pandemic.

“Earlier, the lowly weavers and artisans enrolled for financial assistance from the governments' Social Amelioration Program (SAP) but never been approved due to depleting government budget,” said Bautista.

“Weavers of HBS seek government support such as promotional aid, loan assistance and product enhancement trainings,” he added.

Bautista, however, thanked the support from former Catbalogan City mayor now councilor Stephany Uy Tan for promoting their banig facemasks and other indigenous products in their town.

“Uy-Tan is one of the valued clients of HBS,” said Bautista in a report from Samar Weekly Express.

Aside from the local official, HBS also acknowledged the support of Chinito Gabon, owner of Catbalogan City-based Mr. Print for donating souvenir mugs during the awarding ceremony. (SunStar Philippines)