Brgy. Bari, which is located adjacent to the University of Antique Main Campus in Sibalom, is home to many Manugdihons or terra cotta potters.

The village is endowed with abundant clay reserves and traditional pottery-making has been considered as one of the primary sources of livelihood in the barangay.  

In a press release, DOST noted that it partnered with the University of Antique Research, Extension, Continuing Education, and Training Services (UA RECETS) to implement a project “Pottery Steps Towards Progress thru CEST.”

DOST-CEST is a package of Science &Technology interventions that aim to build progressive, empowered, and resilient rural communities.

With the project,  DOST is providing the beneficiaries with one automated brick molder machine, 35 additional electric potter’s wheels, and 4 computer units with S&T Academic and Research-based Openly-Operated Kiosk Stations (STARBOOKS), Barangay Infosystem for Development and Accountability (BIDA), and Bantay Panahon software which will be provided to Brgy. Bari.

Aside from the economic value and sustainability of the project, the pottery village within the barangay also intends to drive more tourists to the area.

UA RECETS Vice President and Project Leader Dr. Nanette V. Dionisio, together with the Antique Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC), recently held a consultative meeting in the barangay. 

The meeting discussed the project implementation with the beneficiaries from two barangay associations, namely, the Bari Manugkuron Producers Cooperative and the Farmers Pottery Association. (JBG/DOST/PIA-Antique