THE Department of Tourism – Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (DOT-Armm) plans to establish multiple weaving centers in the province of Maguindanao.
In a press briefing yesterday, DOT-Armm secretary Ayesha Mangudadatu-Dilangalen said weaving centers will enhance Inaul weaving in the province.
“We are proposing to establish more (weaving) centers in all the municipalities,” she said.
Inaul, the Armm tourism secretary explained, is a woven unique fabric manually and meticulously woven mostly by Maguindanaon women weavers. Inaul is also a Maguindanaon word for “woven.”
At present, there is only one weaving center in the province, located in the municipality of Buluan.
Maguindanao has some 300 women weavers creating Inaul.
“Those women living without the centers, they usually weave in their houses,” she said.
Meanwhile, for the second year of the Inaul Festival, which will run from February 5 to 14 in Buluan, the organizers put in the highlight the weavers of the regal fabric through trainings.
“We want to highlight and push the women weavers, we want to give them the support they deserve. With this year’s festival, we will also revive traditional art and cultural performances,” Dilangalen said.
Some of these activities are Palamata Nu Maguindanao, Kapaginaul Weaving competition, Alugan sa Maguindanao, Kambayuka exhibition, among others.
The organizers are eyeing for a 10% to 15% increase in visitors for this year as compared last year’s festival which drew around 40,000 visitors.
She said the focus is inviting more local tourists to visit the festival.
For this year, Dilangalen said, Inaul festival, does not only involves Maguindanao but the whole of Armm.
“Hindi lang ang Maguindanao ang magcecelebrate ng festival but the whole ARMM is supporting it. It is a call for Mindanao to appreciate our fabrics. Also, we are for the protection and preservation of the Inaul’s authentic designs,” she said.
Moreover, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will launch the first-ever Negosyo Center in Maguindanao during the festival. The Negosyo Center will also serve as an avenue where weavers can display their products.
The festival’s theme this year revolves on the theme: A fabric of Peace: Weaving Diversity, Connecting Boundaries. ASP