PhilFIDA Conducts Livelihood Training on Macrame Bag Making using Pineapple Fiber in South Cotabato

Date Posted 19 January 2024

The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) is committed to empowering farmer-beneficiaries by providing alternative sources of income through livelihood training. On December 5 to 7, 2023, the PhilFIDA Regional Office XI, together with the Fiber Utilization and Technology Division (FUTD), organized a Livelihood Training on Macrame Bag Making using Pineapple Fiber for the Polo Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Polo SN MPC) in Brgy. Polo, Polomolok, South Cotabato.

The 3-day training on Macramé bag making consisted of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, engaging a total of 21 participants (14 females and 7 males), including one participant representing the T'boli tribe in South Cotabato.

The training commenced with an introduction and lecture on Macramé bag making, showcasing four different bag samples, and explaining the fundamental knots and techniques. Participants observed a demonstration of the bag-making process, divided into material preparation, handle and body formation, base formation, and finishing. Each participant worked on two sets of 20 pieces of twine, 2 meters long, learning three handle styles and forming three types of bases.

Following the hands-on training, a concluding lecture addressed material estimation and product quality control. The bags crafted by participants underwent thorough evaluation, with recommendations provided to enhance their physical appearance.

PhilFIDA reiterated its support, encouraging participants to continually refine their skills and products, thereby establishing a robust market for premium-quality bags as a reliable income source.