Technology helps IP group teach weaving to youth

SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines — An indigenous people (IP)’s group based in this province has adopted the use of technology to pass on to the next generation its tradition of weaving.

Rosita Montajes, leader of the Samahan ng mga Kababaihang Buhid Para Sa Gawaing Kamay, said that members of the group have been weaving textiles, baskets and beads since 2023 to support the community.

Montajes said that members of the group wanted the youth to learn the art of weaving to increase their income.

She said the children were not interested in weaving.

“Children here are into cellphones. We are worried that our traditions will vanish once we (the elders) are gone,” Montajes said.

Weaving abol (shawl) or ramit (skirt) takes a month to finish using traditional techniques, which explains why young people are not interested, she said.

To address the problem, the group sought the help of the municipal government, which contacted the office of the Department of Science and Technology in Mimaropa.

The DOST provided the group assistance worth P32 million, including five handlooms developed by the Philippine Textile Research Institute.

“We requested these machines so we can pass on our tradition to the youth,” Montajes said.

At present, more than 20 young women are taking turns operating the handlooms, which are very effective in producing textiles and shawls quickly.

Montajes said the group is now providing training to high school students who want to learn to weave.

She said the group has been hired by a university in Metro Manila to make scarves and other items.

Montajes said that with the enhanced production, the group is now earning about P40,000 per month.