GUAGUA -- Woodcarvers here were given a crash course on painting and sketching lessons over the weekend at the workshop of premier ecclesiastical artist Willy Layug.
The lessons were in coordination with Guagua Mayor Dante Torres, who gave his full support and financial assistance for the project, as part of the initiatives to improve and widen the skill base of woodcarvers of Guagua's Betis District.
The training, a first of a series, was participated by members of the Mandukit Anluagi Ning Sta. Ursula (Masu) and other local interested participants.
Masu, the local woodcraft group of Guagua’s Bêtis District famed for its woodcarving tradition, is a local initiative that provides members with the opportunity for skills training and development. It is also an organization tasked with preserving Betis woodcarving traditions through the education of the next generation of young woodcarvers.
Layug said that it is a surprise to many to know that even the most seasoned woodcarvers here could not paint or sketch their works.
Unlike Layug who had majored in painting at the University of Santo Tomas, most woodcarvers of the town have learned to craft by imitation and lack the skills for painting or sketching.
Layug said that training would broaden the skills of the artists and would open new career opportunity especially for the younger participants.
Earlier, Torres said that in order for smaller woodcarvers and furniture makers to succeed, they would need the help and support of the local government and the bigger players in the woodcraft business in Guagua.
Torres said the Municipal Government of Guagua is hoping to provide the necessary support programs to help woodcarvers. He added that majority of woodcraft businesses here have already registered their businesses with the Municipal Government.
The mayor had given funding for a trainer for local woodcarvers and other would-be carvers to further their skills and craft. He added that he envisions the expansion of woodcraft products to other novelty industries related to the craft.