Mat weavers from Bukidnon are improving their products with innovative techniques introduced by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The mat weaving innovation has allowed the weavers to raise their incomes after enhancing the mat designs and producing globally competitive and marketable products. Previously, weavers sold the traditional mats at Php 137.00 per span (known as “dangaw”). The “banig” mats were sold house to house around their community since they do not have a permanent display area.
According to a DOST report received by Good News Pilipinas, the weavers now command price tags in the range of Php 400 to Php 1, 700 each depending on the size of the mat. These are displayed at BigHoop Charities, Inc. – a Non-Government Organization and Negosyo Center in Talakag, Bukidnon.
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Aside from mats, the weavers learned to weave bags, placemats, hats, among others. A total of 20 housewives attended the training among which were five (5) Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the Marawi siege.
DOST Region X reports the Bukidnon mat weavers were trained to create round mats made of “tikog” (Sagittaria sagittifolia Linn.) and “sudsud” (Juncus fistulosus Guss.)
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The mat weavers were trained in the “Innovation on Mat Weaving: A Project Kasaligan for the Women of Talakag, Bukidnon” under the Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – X.
SEND your cheers to the Bukidnon women weavers and DOST collaboration!
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