SANTA MARCELA, Apayao – Nineteen craft artists from this town recently completed a two-day training in ‘Tikog grass’ weaving and handicraft-making as part of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).
Conducted at the Municipal Kiosk in San Carlos from October 5-7, 2023, the DILP, a flagship initiative of the DOLE, supports vulnerable and marginalized workers by providing grant assistance for capacity-building in livelihood and entrepreneurial ventures.
The primary goal of the training was to enrich the participants’ knowledge and skills, thereby enhancing the quality and design of their products, empowering them to increase their incomes, subsequently reducing their vulnerability.
The 19 participants, members of the Marcela Weavers Association, specialize in crafting handbags, wallets, baskets, and hats using tikog. The DOLE supplied the necessary materials and equipment for the said training.
Renel A. Batralo, a trainer, designer, and product consultant from Pila, Laguna, led the training, guiding locals in the art of creating hand-woven products. Tikog, sourced from the leaves of the native Philippine tikog plant, was chosen for its strength, durability, and natural beauty, making it an ideal material for crafting woven items like bags. By Krizza Castillo
