KAPATAGAN, Lanao del Norte (PIA) — The program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), dubbed “Grassroots Innovations for Inclusive Development” (GRIND), provided interventions to the Lampakanay Weavers Association of Barangay Lapinig here through capacity building, product development, and intellectual property protection, following the ideal of inclusive innovation.
Since its establishment in 2020, the association has undergone a remarkable transformation. Their raw material, lampakanay (typha orientalis), was once considered an abundant weed in Kapatagan. This versatile fiber, sourced from wetlands, now showcases the association’s growth and potential in various products such as coarse bags, baskets, and furniture embellishments.
On February 1, the DOST-10 team provided the 32 members of the association with an electric jigsaw, air compressor, nail gunner, circular saw, and heavy-duty sander to improve the association’s mass production capabilities and product quality. The assistance significantly increased the association’s output by up to 400 percent as of this writing.
Additionally, on April 25, the group received training on synthetic dyeing from DOST—Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI). This approach empowers the weavers with the necessary skills and knowledge to elevate their craft. The activity emphasized enhancing artisans’ skills in synthetic and natural dyeing methods. Through hands-on workshops, participants learned to harness the dyeing potential of lampakanay.
By infusing their creations with vibrant colors, the selling value of their products has increased by 14.6 percent.
“Pasalamat mi og dako gyud kay gumikan lang sa sagbot nga lampakanay. Daghan ang mga tawo nga nahatagan ug panginabuhian bisag sa sulod lang sa ilang panimalay, sama sa mga kababaehan, nga nakatabang sila sa ilang mga bana og income,” said Annie Henon, the association’s president.
(We are so grateful for the Lampakanay grass. Many people were given a livelihood inside their homes, especially women, who can now help their husbands earn an income.)
In addition to creating a value chain within their local community, the association actively supports part-timers and working students interested in learning how to make these products and earning an income.
“Ang ginabuhat nako sa akong income kay akong ginabayad sa akong tuition fee ug sa akong projects. Ang sobra ana kay gina tabang nako sa akong pamilya,” said Jocelyn Cabansag, 18, a student who works part-time with the association by cleaning the products before the finishing touches.
(What I do with my income is use it to pay for my tuition and projects. I use what is left of it to support my family.)
Through the various assistance of the DOST, lampakanay, once a mere weed, has been innovated to provide economic and social benefit for the lampakanay weavers of Kapatagan. (DOST-10/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
