A pandan-weaving community in the remote town of Leon, Iloilo, is set to enhance its output and sustainability for future generations through a shared service facility (SSF) provided by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The SSF, which includes a solar dryer, pressing machine, sewing machines, riveting machine, and stove, was launched by DTI-Iloilo last Monday.
In an interview on Thursday, Susana Gadian, 63, president of the Baje Weavers Association (BWA) in Barangay Baje, shared her memories of using bags made from buri palm leaves during her elementary years. While these buri bags were crafted by local weavers, they were often rough in texture.
The community later discovered the abundant pandan leaves in their area, which are smoother and easier to harvest. “Pandan leaves are dried and stripped. After that, it goes through processes until they are woven into bags and mats,” Gadian explained.
However, she noted that preparing pandan leaves for weaving was time-consuming, especially when it rained, as they had to wait for the sun to dry the leaves. “Now, with the solar dryer, pandan leaves are dried in three days, down from the previous five days. We can work faster using the facilities. We can also create our desired designs using the sewing and riveting machines,” Gadian added.
With the SSF, the community aims to increase their production of small bags to 1,000 per month, up from the previous 600, depending on the design. In addition to bags and mats, they also produce boxes and placemats, but they focus more on bags due to their market demand, which includes business groups that resell their products, the town’s pasalubong (souvenir) center, arts galleries, offices for tokens, and even international markets.
Beyond the SSF, Gadian mentioned that DTI has provided them with various training programs, including product development, marketing, and costing, and has assisted them in market matching.
She expressed optimism about the future, stating, “With the facilities, I look forward to sustainable production, which means a steady and higher income.”
The unveiling of the SSF at the Baje Livelihood Center was led by DTI Provincial Director Ma. Dinda Tamayo, along with Supervising Trade–Industry Development Specialist Engr. Jonathan Tejida, Trade–Industry Development Specialist Shayne Jornadal, Trade–Industry Development Analyst Anelyn Apiag, and Leon Negosyo Center Business Counsellor Charie Joy Taganos.
In her message, Tamayo emphasized the vital role of the SSF in strengthening the capabilities of micro-enterprises and enhancing the productivity of community-based industries. She commended the Baje Weavers for their dedication despite logistical challenges, such as difficult road conditions and limited access to transportation, noting that Baje is an hour’s ride from the town proper.