Pursuant to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to advance fiber sector research, production, and education while seizing new growth opportunities, the National Museum of the Philippines-Bicol (NMP-Bicol) and the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority Regional Office V supervised by OIC-Regional Director Mary Anne Molina conducted a two-day Abaca Processing and Weaving Lecture, Demonstration, and Workshop on March 4-5, 2025, in Busay, Daraga, Albay. Aligned with the Department of Agriculture’s commitment, under the leadership of Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., to promote sustainable and competitive agricultural practices, this initiative empowered 20 women—including youth, solo parents, and women’s groups from LGU-Pilar, Sorsogon—by providing skills training in abaca weaving, a vital industry in the region.
The hands-on training encompassed the entire abaca weaving process, from fiber extraction using a tuxying knife and the “hagot” method to the intricate production of sinamay, a lightweight and versatile fabric. Master artisans from Malilipot, Albay, guided participants through each step, ensuring the preservation of traditional weaving techniques while highlighting the economic potential of abaca craftsmanship. The program also underscored the importance of promoting sustainable, eco-friendly, and biodegradable fiber production, reinforcing abaca’s role as a globally recognized, environmentally responsible material.
This collaboration between NMP-Bicol and PhilFIDA reflects a shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage while fostering women’s economic empowerment. The semi-processed sinamay fabrics created during the workshop symbolized not only the participants’ newly acquired skills but also their potential contributions to the revitalization of the abaca industry. By sustaining this time-honored craft, the program strengthens the fiber sector and secures the legacy of abaca weaving in Albay, the heart of the country’s fiber crop industry.
