BASEY, Samar (PIA) – First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the inauguration of the EcoDryer for Tikog Fibers and the LARA Showroom, marking a significant milestone for the local community in Samar.
This development aims to empower 1,200 women mat (banig) weavers from 24 barangays of Basey, Samar, through the intervention of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The EcoDryer, a product of DOST’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, promises to enhance the drying process for Tikog fibers, which are essential for the weaving industry in the region.
This innovation, developed by DOST in collaboration with the local government of Basey, Samar, the provincial government, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the BANIG association, will significantly improve productivity and quality for the weavers, who are mostly women.
The initiative is part of DOST-Samar’s ongoing efforts to empower communities through science and technology, ensuring that local industries, particularly those relying on traditional practices, can thrive sustainably and efficiently.
In addition to the EcoDryer launch, First Lady Araneta-Marcos also led the roll-out of the Lingap at Alagang Bayaniyan or LAB for All Program, which provided support to around 100 medium, small, and micro enterprises (MSMEs) in Samar.
Through this program, local entrepreneurs received one-on-one coaching, gaining valuable insights on business operations, financing options, and market expansion.
This initiative underlines the Department of Trade and Industry’s continuous commitment to nurturing small businesses by providing them with expert guidance on business development and strategies for growth. The LAB for All Program highlights the government’s efforts to promote economic resilience and sustainable entrepreneurship in Samar.
First Lady Araneta-Marcos praised the collaborative efforts between government agencies, local authorities, and private sector partners in boosting economic growth and supporting local businesses in the region.
The inauguration of the EcoDryer and LARA Showroom, along with the rollout of the LAB for All Program, serves as a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering communities, fostering sustainable industries, and ensuring a brighter future for women entrepreneurs and MSMEs in Samar. (RLA/PIA Eastern Visayas)
