DTI unveils loom weaving facility project at ASU

Aklan State University President Dr. Danilo Abayon, DTI OIC-Regional Director Rebecca and DTI Aklan OIC-Provincial Director Ma. Carmen I. Iturralde unveil the loom weaving facility project.

The DTI Aklan Provincial Office recently launched a new shared service facility for piña-abaca weavers at the Aklan State University (ASU), as its project cooperator. The facility received handlooms and high-speed sewing machines for its weaver-beneficiaries in Banga and Balete.

DTI VI OIC-Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon, OIC-Provincial Director Ma. Carmen I. Iturralde, ASU President Dr. Danilo Abayon, weaver-beneficiaries of the Shared Service Facility for School-Based Loom Weaving Facility on Piña-Abaca Fibercraft Industry in Aklan, as well as officers and staff of ASU attended the ceremony at the Natural Fibers Technology Resource Center Bldg. of the ASU- Main Campus on July 11, 2016.

The handloom facility which amounts to P244, 250 would benefit 30 piña and abaca weavers, six (6) hand embroiderers and six (6) sewers in the local communities. The weaving centers are located at NFTRC Bldg., ASU Main Campus in Banga, and in Crossing Calizo, Brgy. Feliciano in Balete.

The establishment of this SSF project greatly helps the Yolanda-affected weaver-beneficiaries whose handlooms were partially or totally damaged during the typhoon, to recover and revive their livelihood.

In addition, the provision of the handloom facilities and sewing machines will greatly assist existing piña and abaca weavers to achieve total sustainability and expand the volume of their production to pave the way for new markets. The project translates to generation of jobs not only for weavers but also to warpers, knotters, sewers and embroiderers in the area.