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Thursday, October 16, 2008

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Local ‘patadyong’ weavers eye Japan Embassy as funding partner

Posted by Philippine Information Agency

‘Patadyong’ (loom) weavers in Bagtason, Bugasong looks forward to the Embassy of Japan as funding partner to expand market opportunities and improvement in the quality of fabric products.

Pedro S. Orencio, Economic Evaluation Officer of the Embassy of Japan recently visited Bagtason Loom Weavers Association in Bugasong and discussed some possibilities of providing financial assistance to association.

Patadyong weaving in Bagtason is a One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) of the Municipality of Bugasong, a priority thrust of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of providing livelihood opportunities to help alleviate poverty in the countryside facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Famous for its fine woven products such as hat, handkerchiefs, shawl, bags and ‘patadyong’ (wrap around cloth,) local weavers have organized themselves into Bagtason Loom Weavers Association (BLWA) and established a weaving center in the town supported by Mayor Bernard Pesayco and the local officials.

During their visit, Rhoda Pon-an, Executive Director of Antique Development Foundation who is actively supporting local entrepreneurs widen market opportunities and improve quality of local products said that they will assist the weavers access funds from the Embassy of Japan.

Mario Manzano, President, BLWA said that in Region 6 they compete with products of weavers in Oton and Miag-ao, Iloilo but most often they are hired as trainers in some loom weaving groups. Patadyong weaving for them is more than a business venture, it’s a tradition that has been passed from generations by their early kin.

Bagtason Weavers Association with support of different agencies and local government units and non-government organizations has participated in various local and national trade fairs earning income for local producers.

Members of BLWA are looking forward for the assistance of Japan Embassy to help purchase raw materials for weaving to meet the volume of orders of their costumers.