Shared Service Facility Transforms Pandan Weaving in Iloilo
In a remote community in Leon, Iloilo, a shared service facility is revolutionizing the pandan weaving industry. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently launched this facility to help the Baje Weavers Association (BWA) enhance their craft and production capacity.
The newly unveiled shared service facility includes a solar dryer, pressing machine, sewing machines, riveting machine, and stove. These tools aim to accelerate and improve the quality of pandan weaving, a traditional livelihood in Barangay Baje.
Susana Gadian, 63, president of BWA, shared her experience. She recalled using buri palm leaf bags during her childhood, which were rough in texture. “Pandan leaves are dried and stripped. After that, it goes through processes until they are woven into bags and mats,” she said. The switch to pandan leaves provided a smoother and more workable material.
Faster Drying and Enhanced Production
Before the facility, the weavers relied on the sun to dry pandan leaves, a process that could take up to five days and often delayed work during rainy spells. With the solar dryer, drying time has been cut to three days, enabling faster production.
“We can work faster using the facilities. We can also come up with our desired design using sewing and riveting machines,” Gadian noted. Thanks to the new equipment, they aim to increase monthly production of small pandan bags from 600 to 1,000, depending on the designs.
Expanding Market Reach and Training Support
Aside from bags and mats, the community also makes boxes and placemats. However, bags remain their main focus due to strong demand from business groups, souvenir centers, art galleries, offices, and even international buyers.
DTI has also provided training in product development, marketing, and costing to help the weavers compete effectively and match market demands. “The income we generated before was just enough to send our children to school and pay our bills,” Gadian said. “With the facilities, I look forward to sustainable production, which means a steady and higher income.”
Community Support and Industry Growth
The shared service facility was formally unveiled at the Baje Livelihood Center by DTI Iloilo officials, including Provincial Director Ma. Dinda Tamayo. She highlighted the importance of the facility in boosting micro-enterprises and community-based industries.
Tamayo also praised the weavers’ perseverance despite challenges like rough roads and limited transport access. Baje is located about an hour from the town proper, making such support crucial for the community’s economic growth.
For more news and updates on pandan weaving, visit Filipinokami.com.
