MANILA -- The Manobo tribe residing in Carmen, Surigao del Sur has expressed their willingness to cooperate with their local government unit to revive traditional weaving.

During the Network Briefing News on Friday, Mayor Jane Valeroso-Plaza shared that the LGU visited the tribal community yesterday for its initial discussion of their project in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“Yung mga IP’s dito sa Carmen nawala po sa kanila yung weaving. Matagal-tagal na po na panahon, pero naalala po ng mga matatanda ngayon [Our IP’s here lost their traditional weaving a long time ago but the adults can still remember the practice],” she told host Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar.

“We are excited kahapon sinabi nila na gusto nilang ibalik yun part of their culture na mag-weave [We are excited because yesterday they told us that they wanted to bring back their tradition of weaving],” she added.

Mayor Valeroso-Plaza said that the indigenous people there were encouraged to join the initiatives of the LGU because this will help add value to their abaca products. Their livelihood project will start in September.

This will boost not only the local culture but tourism as well. Mayor Valeroso-Plaza also mentioned their tourism master plan, which includes the development of a Hubason Adventure Trail.

The LGU is also promoting the national government’s COVID-19 vaccination program to the IP communities. At present, Mayor Valeroso-Plaza said that only 5% of the tribe are vaccinated. (PCOO)