A local weaver’s association in Abra is grateful to various government agencies   for their assistance leading to what it is now.   

 “Nu awanda a nangsubsubaybay ken nangisursuro nu kasanu mi emanage a nasayaat ti association, diay business, nu kasanu ka mangrugi, ken nangted kadagiti equipment, haan met nga masustain diay association tayo,” (Without the constant follow up,  and  the  knowledge taught  to us on how to properly  start  and manage the association,  the  business,  and the  provision of equipment, our association would not have been sustained),  Madelyn Cudiamat, Vice President of the Bulbulala Weavers Association said.

She was particularly referring to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Textile and Research Institute and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Cudiamat   also acknowleged    Leila’s Loomweaving whom they owe their basic weaving skills.  Prior to their being formed as an association, they   used to work with Leila’s Loomweaving,   a popular loomweaving business in the province and now a tourist attraction owned and managed by Natividad Quiday. It now serves as their outlet as it cannot accommodate market demand.

She narrated that in February 2010, the group of weavers in Barangay Bul-bulala, registered registered as an association through the prodding of the DTI so that they can avail of government assistance.  

DTI provided shared service facility like the looms and sewing machines. It then drew more members to join as they saw that it was a profitable source of income, according to Cudiamat.

The association members were also provided with numerous trainings and seminars. 

As most of the members are Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps beneficiaries, the Department of Social Welfare and Development also came in providing raw materials such as threads.

 The DOST also provided trainings in order to upgrade their skills in basic designs. Some association members were trained on advance loomweaving in coordination with the Philippine Textile and Research Institute introducing intricate designs that enhanced the existing local designs.

 Cudiamat said they now produce not only blankets but a variety of woven products like apparels, bags, purses, masks, among others. They can do more and produce something more attractive using the two types of woven designs - the “kantarines,” with plain or stripe designs or “binakol,” with patterned designs,

The conduct of trade fairs of the DTI, the provincial and municipal local government and the DOT also paved the way in the promotion of the loom weaving industry.

 With the loomweaving as a source of livelihood among women in the community, “Haan nga masapol nga pumanaw kami sikami a nannanang haan nga masapol nga umadayo kamin nga mapan agsapolen.” (We, mothers, don’t need to leave, we don’t need to look for jobs afar.), Cudiamat said.

The story of Bulbula Weavers Association is a proof that government agencies working together indeed help small industries grow big  and  successful. (JDP/SCA-PIA-CAR, Abra)