LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – Traditionally woven products and artisanal salt from Ilocos Norte towns are set to receive a boost from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) this year through the Grassroots Innovations for Inclusive Development (GRIND) program.
The GRIND program, initiated by DOST-Region 11 in 2019, aims to empower local innovators by providing them with technological support, market access, and livelihood solutions, particularly for indigenous peoples (IPs), farmers, and fisherfolk.
In Nueva Era town, the Gunglo Dagiti Aglaglaga ti Nueva Era (Association of Weavers in Nueva Era), an IP group, will receive assistance for their unique bolo-weaving craft.
Utilizing locally harvested bolo plants (a kind of bamboo), the weavers create baskets, plate holders, containers, and decorative items.
A distinctive feature of their products is the use of blackened bolo strands, which are manually processed through a manual burning method using bolo shavings as flame igniters.
To preserve this traditional practice while improving efficiency and safety, the DOST is exploring the development of a metal roasting machine with a manual rotating mechanism and a smoke redirection system to drive the smoke away from the operator to avoid the health dangers of exposure to too much smoke.
This technology aims to maintain the authenticity of the handcrafting process while ensuring safer and faster production.
Jennilyne Lucas, president of the weavers’ association, highlighted the importance of the craft in their cultural identity and livelihood.
“Most of us weavers inherited this craft from our ancestors, so it is important for us to keep doing this, as it also serves as an extra livelihood for us. We appreciate the DOST in helping us find a more efficient way for us to produce our products to keep up with our customers,” she said.
In Pasuquin town, another innovation, the “tedted” (Ilokano term for drip) salt, will be getting a marketing makeover.
“Tedted” is a rare, artisanal form of salt that forms naturally during the salt-making process, gradually creating stalagmite-shaped masses around a stick as residual saltwater drips and solidifies over time.
Traditionally used both in cooking and as a salt lick for livestock, “tedted” is a testament to meticulous local craftsmanship.
DOST will focus on developing branding and promotional strategies to highlight the labor-intensive production of “tedted,” aiming to strengthen its market presence and increase profitability for local saltmakers.
Meanwhile, Melba Ramos, president of the Pasuquin Saltmakers Association, expressed her gratitude for the assistance of the DOST.
“We really need support in marketing and packaging our salt products so that more people can recognize that these are proudly made by local farmers in Pasuquin. I am very thankful to the DOST for stepping in to assist us. With their help, we are hopeful that we can strengthen our product identity, reach more customers, and improve our livelihoods,” she said.
DOST GRIND Project Management Team member Cathleen Montano emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting how it bridges the gap between education and innovation by making science and technology accessible to the masses no matter the educational background.
“Our purpose in the GRIND program is to make science inclusive. People often think science is only for the highly educated, but through GRIND, we show that even those in the informal sectors—the people in the ‘laylayan’—can innovate and invent,” Montano said.
She added, “We want to feature the ingenuity of Filipinos across all sectors.”
By providing technical advancements and marketing support, the DOST hopes to elevate these local innovations to the national stage, enhancing livelihood opportunities and preserving cultural heritage in Ilocos Norte. (AMB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)
