DUMALNEG, Ilocos Norte – A group of local weavers, including students with special needs and members of the Isneg indigenous community, are earning a livelihood and preserving their cultural heritage through modernized handloom weaving supported by the government.
Thanks to the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Project INABEL (Innovations on Native Attires, Bracing and Encouraging Livelihood), residents of Barangay Quibel and other parts of Dumalneg have been trained in the art of weaving inabel—traditional Ilocano fabric. Using modified handloom machines provided in 2020, they now produce “aken,” the traditional cloth attire of the Isneg people, along with other woven items such as placemats and leis.
Janice Pagon, 37, one of the weavers, expressed her pride in being part of the initiative.
“I learned to weave with the help of the DOST,” she said in her dialect. “I am happy that I am now a part of the weavers of ‘aken’ in Dumalneg.”
Seventeen individuals who trained under Project INABEL eventually formed the Dumalneg Weavers Association. As part of their support, DOST provided TheraLoom machines—designed to be more accessible, especially for those with special needs.
According to the association, several students under Special Education (SPED) programs have found weaving to be a therapeutic and creative outlet.
“We thank all the people behind, for this chance to promote inabel not just as a product but weaving as a therapeutic activity especially to the SPED students,” the group shared in a statement.
To further promote the craft, the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Ilocos Region recently began purchasing abel-inspired placemats as souvenirs for tourists visiting the province.
“This is our simple way of promoting their products and empowering local communities,” said DOT-Region 1 Chief Tourism Officer Gaye Acacio.
With the continued support of national and local government agencies, Dumalneg’s weavers hope their artistry and cultural identity will gain wider recognition, while creating lasting impact on local livelihoods and heritage preservation.