DOST, RDC push revival of Cordillera weave trade

By Marlo Lubguban

BAGUIO CITY – The Dept. of Science and Technology-Cordillera, as vice chair of the Regional Development Council’s economic development committee, has initiated drafting of the Cordillera weaving industry development plan.

The revitalization of the weaving industry of the Cordillera was discussed during their recent committee meeting in Baguio. DOST Cordillera director Nancy Bantog said the plan is a collaboration of regional offices of DOST and National Economic Development Authority, National Cultural Communities Commission and Departments of Trade and Industry, Labor and Employment, , Tourism, Welfare and Development, Cooperative Development Authority and and TESDA with the University of the Philippines-Baguio, Benguet State University, Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, through a memorandum of understanding.

The DOST-CAR recently held a forum in Baguio City with concerned stakeholders from the academe, government agencies, weavers and local government units to gather insights on crafting the industry development plan.
Committee chair and DTI-Cordillera regional director Myrna Pablo said weaving is one of the main reasons for the declaration of Baguio City as a UNESCO creative city for folk arts and crafts.

UP Baguio Chancellor Raymundo Rovillos, added that the goal of the creative economy is increasing value of local products such as indigenous weaves.

“The intensive labor, history, culture, and tradition all add to the value of the product,” he added.

He said Cordillera fabrics are not intended for mass production which also justifies its current price level.

Pablo said that DTI-CAR gives trainings on proper product pricing for the benefit of both the producers and consumers.
DOST-CAR eyes to have the development plan endorsed by the RDC this year.

The Cordillera Month celebration led by the RDC infrastructure committee and the provincial government of Kalinga will feature Cordilleran fabrics in an all-age fashion show promoting indigenous weaving products by different designers from all over the region.

 Through the regional development plan 2017-2022, NEDA-CAR aims to promote and develop the local weaving industry for improved export, employment, and income opportunities for the region.