BONTOC, Mountain Province – At least 18 weavers and weaving entrepreneurs from this province underwent a two-day local study mission in Iloilo City recently in order to help in improving their craft and making the weaving industry a lucrative source of income for those actively involved in the weaving industry..
Planning Officer IV Brenda R. Tabbang who is also a member of the Provincial Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PMSMEDC) said that the activity aims to improve productivity and efficiency of weaving sector in the province for them to be competitive.
She added that with the local study mission, the participants has established market linkages, familiarized themselves on the use of sewing machine accessories, explored other materials that could match with their woven products and developed new products through the infusion of other materials aside from woven cloth.
Tabbang shared that the participants had a first-hand experience on how the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) particularly the weaving sector in Iloilo City produce their woven products. These includes observation on how the woven products are sewed with the use of proper sewing machine, production of woven rags into useful products such as foot rags and souvenir items, and interaction with the weavers in Iloilo City.
Aside from this, the participants visited the establishment of sewing machines in Iloilo City. The proprietor lectured on the kinds of sewing machines and the accessories to be used in the different kinds of fabric, and demonstrated how their woven product is sewn into a dress. The participants were also challenged to try new product line and be receptive to new trends.
The local study mission was spearheaded by the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Mountain Province and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Mountain Province in coordination with the DTI- Iloilo City.
The activity was funded by the PMSMEDC of the PLGU – Mountain Province.
By Alpine Killa
