BAGUIO CITY – The first set of officers of the newly created Cordillera Weavers Producers Cooperative (CWPC) recently took their oath to start their journey in ulifting the status of the region’s lucrative and varied weaving industry.
Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Administrator Eulogio T. Castillo administered the oathtaking of the CWPC officers which was held at the Golden Pine Hotel Ballroom.
The CWPC aims to rekindle the weaving industry as well as preserve and improve the cultural talent of the Cordillerans. It wishes to maintain the original designs of Cordillera fabrics and tapestries with both back strap and handloom methods.
The CWPC is inviting the Cordillera weavers from the different areas of Baguio-Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Kalinga, Apayao and Abra as members, so that the cooperative will grant them the necessary assistance including marketing both here and abroad.
The CWPC Board is chaired by Dr. Rhodora Ngolob, Vice Engr.Susan Angaga and members Atty. Alfredo Mondiguing, Ms. Jocelyn Mariano, and Engr. Melisa Therese Sapdoy. Officers are CEO Ms.Ida Dumangeng, COO Ms.Grace Gano, Treasurer Ms. Conchita Lawagan and chairpersons and members of the different committees – Ms. Angelita Gayados, Ms. Virgilia Jean Diaz, Mr. Allan Tolenada and Ms. Gina Tolenada.
While the road may seem a hard climb, the CWPC looks forward to the unification and strengthening of the Cordillera weavers-producers as well as the preservation of this valuable cultural art of the mountains so that the region’s lucrative weaving industry will continue to move on to greater heights for the upliftment of the living condition of the members of the families of seasoned weavers regionwide.
By Ida Dumangeng
