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Official Publication of the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns
Volume 9, Issue 7 July 2017
Baje Weavers Association:
Women Weaving thru Generations
W hile the concentration of businesses in Iloilo
remains in the City Proper and Jaro districts, a humble
community in Brgy. Baje which is 34 kilometers away
from the metropolitan is competing for new market
opportunities, and setting increasing demands on native
woven products—the Baje Weavers Association of Leon.
The weaving in the community started since the time of
their ancestors or what they call ‘katigulangan’. The craft
transferred across generations and became their
livelihood. From weaving banig or mats using the
pandan that grow in their backyards, the group
eventually explored the weaving of bayong or bags that
became more marketable. It was only in early 2017 that
the weavers of Barangay Baje was formally organized
thru the assistance of the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE) Iloilo Field Office and the Office of
the Congressman Arcadio H. Gorriceta, 2nd District of
Iloilo.
The group, which is composed of 50 women, used to sell
their products in Leon Public Market and display their
products in the Municipal Hall of Leon. Mr. Ramy
Corillo, staff of Congressman Arcadio H. Gorriceta, saw
their products in the display area and noticed its market
potential. Thereafter, Mr. Corillo traced their community
in the upland and conducted a business needs analysis.
This is to find ways on how to improve the community’s
production and in return promote the weaving industry
in Brgy. Baje that already withstood time.
“Do not follow existing patterns. Weave your
own destiny”. — Baje Weavers Association
The Office of Cong. Gorriceta referred the group to the
DOLE to avail livelihood assistance for the enhancement
of their weaving business. Livelihood assistance worth
Php 434, 120.00 was granted to the group on December
01, 2016. The funds was used to buy harvesting tools,
sewing tools, scissors, decoration materials, dyes, two
sewing machines, zippers, dryer, strippers, bag molders,
laptop, and printer.
Thru convergence with other government agencies, the
group has also attended training on product development
and marketing which was facilitated by the Department
of Trade and Industry. As shared by the members, closer
ties among the different generations of women weavers
developed during said training.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Publisher:
Chairperson: Director Ahmma Charisma Lobrin-Satumba
Editor-in-Chief: Cielo C. Cabalatungan
Writer: Managing Editor:
Arts and Design: Arianne Ishreen C. Bucar
Telephone Numbers: 404-3336, 527-2804, 527-5856, 527-5857, 527-3116, 528-0119
Telefax: 527-5858, 527-3097 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bwsc.dole.gov.ph
B ecause of the assistance, the group was able to improve the speed of production and the quality of their woven
products. “Noon, ang isang bag ay pina-process namin ng tatlong araw. Ngayon, puwede na naming magawa sa
loob ng isa o isa’t kalahating araw.” Ms. Susana Gadian, president of the association said. Further, the weavers conduct
quality control over their products prior to selling. Simple bookkeeping for their financial transactions is observed.
Cash payment is required among clients and credit is not allowed to avoid problems.
The assistance and convergence efforts also exposed the group to various market opportunities.
“Mula noong makatanggap kami ng assistance, nakasali kami sa mga big markets. Isang halimbawa
‘yung nakapagtinda kami sa Atria (Mall). Katulong namin ang DOLE at ang office ni Cong. Gorriceta.
Natulungan kaming magkaroon ng pwesto at inasikaso rin nila ang aming transportation at pagkain.
Kumita ang mga members. For three days, umabot ng halos Php 40,000.00 ang income namin.
Nasundan pa ito ng pagsali namin sa ibang market gaya ng San Miguel at Bucari. Hindi namin magagawang mag-market
sa ganitong mga lugar kung walang assistance.” Ms. Gadian mentioned.
The income was used to pay the weavers and to save for the maintenance of their
equipment. The weavers used their income to pay for household expenses and
education of their children. For every big bayong produced, a weaver earns Php 350.00.
Each weaver usually produces three bags a day. A weaver also earns Php 55.00 for every
small bayong made and they usually make five bags a day. “Malaking tulong ito sa
kabuhayan namin kasi lahat kaming mga weavers dito, ito ang pinagkukunan ng allowance ng mga kabataan.” Melda
Kalitina, 44, a weaver and marketing officer of the group shared.
Ms. Pinky Jalandoni, Consultant from the
Office of Congressman Gorriceta shared
her experience on partnering with DOLE
and their future plans in supporting rural
development thru livelihood. “Marami na
kaming naka-line up na livelihood projects
(para pondohan ng DOLE). ‘Yung DOLE kasi very responsive in
attending to requests and giving assistance. They actually make
it hands on. They visit the communities personally for them to
see their conditions. Then, they suggest how they can help
them.”
“To all those who are looking forward to help, please do. This
weaving industry will give back to a lot of people, especially to
the community who are giving their best to work within their
homes”, Ms Jalandoni said. She further added, “These products
will not only promote the community but also the country”.
Samples of the
woven products
produced by the
Baje Weavers
Association
Members of Baje Weavers Association, together with the Staff of
Congressman Gorriceta and personnel from the Bureau of Workers with
Special Concerns and DOLE Iloilo Field Office