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: mail@bwsc.dole.gov.ph 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