Butuan City (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Dinagat Islands, in partnership with the local government of Loreto and its Municipal Tourism Office, spearheaded a three-day enhancement training on tikog and buri weaving at the Negosyo Center in Sta. Cruz, Loreto, Province of Dinagat Islands on April 15-17.
It upskilled the members of the San Juan Women Mat Weavers Association.
The activity was designed for the women weavers of Loreto who were eager to explore the intricacies and finesse of “tikog” and “buri” product development to strengthen the weaving industry and stimulate economic growth in the town.
The members of the San Juan Women Mat Weavers Association in Loreto, Dinagat Islands felt proud as they completed the DTI’s three-day enhancement training on tikog and buri weaving. For them, weaving and learning are intertwined and promote inclusivity. Photo courtesy of DTI - PDI.
Director Elmer Natad of DTI said, “The participants gained comprehensive understanding and hands-on experience in every aspect of tikog and buri product development, from raw material sourcing to processing and product development.’
Natad added that through interactive sessions on weaving, dyeing, and finishing techniques, the participants acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance product quality and increase productivity.
Gloria Ramos, president of the women’s group, expressed appreciation to DTI and the local government of Loreto for teaching them with new techniques on weaving.
“From mats, we now learn how to weave vibrant and beautiful handbags, accessories, and other household items,” she said.
“I thank DTI and LGU-Loreto through the tourism office for considering our group as vital contributors in the weaving industry. This training only showed their concern to make us competitive by teaching us new things and to produce quality products from tikog and buri,” Ramos added.
To ensure the sustainability of the group as well as the income of the members, DTI opened an opportunity for the members of San Juan Women Mat Weavers Association in Loreto, Dinagat Islands to learn new techniques, designs, and improvements, among others, on tikog and buri weaving. Photo courtesy of DTI - PDI.
The rise of modern artisans, synthetic materials, and aesthetic designs, resulting in stiff market competition, has motivated the women weavers of Loreto town to thrive on their age-old tradition of weaving.
This government support allowed the women weavers to sustain the tikog and buri weaving industry in Loreto and in the province of Dinagat Islands by empowering them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and initiative to preserve a cherished cultural tradition and contribute to the socio-economic development of the community. (RLE/PIA–Dinagat Islands with a report from DTI-Dinagat Islands)
