THE Municipality of Bontoc is planning to expand weaving production through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The province capital is looking to make gains from the weaving industry using innovations and techniques from DOST equipment.
Bontoc executive assistant Arthur Odsey said the local government unit is looking to improve the local production of finely woven products to ensure the economic competitiveness of the municipality “We in the LGU are setting our sights to support the local organizations in their various chosen DOST-partnered projects. In this case the weavers association situated in the small community of Caneo.”
According to Odsey, the second class municipality has partnered with the DOST for the past seven years.
“Weaving is a disappearing practice, but with the assistance provided at least we have been informed that the passing of the knowledge in this weaving practice can be easier for the grassroots,” he added.
Odsey said the LGU is making plans to help locals in expanding their market by incorporating the use of online selling reducing production and labor costs.
Weaving groups in the town include Barangay Caneo Women’s Weaving Association, a beneficiary of DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), the group has over 30 members.
The SETUP program provided the weaving association with loom which upgraded production from the former back strap method used by traditional craftsmen.
Rowena Afidchao, representative of the Caneo Weaver’s Association, said the DOST program targets improve the small enterprises.
“Technology made out production faster. This means that we have more time to fashion weaved textiles that we market in and out of our province.” Afidchao said.
Apart from providing materials, the sustenance of the DOST in regional projects using technology and science increase the capability of the Cordilleras in the international market.
Mt. Province is dubbed as a weavers’ paradise, the place is recognized for producing fine woven traditional tapis for women’s apparel and the traditional wanes (G-string) for men, including bags, purses, pouches, wallets, blazers, skirts, and wall decors.
Weavers are found all over the ten towns of Mt. Province especially in Bontoc, Sagada, Besao, Sabangan, Sadanga, Barlig, Natonin, Paracelis, Tadian, Bauko with different designs and highlighted colors.