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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Weavers of Change: San Juan Rotary trains PH local weavers for int'l market exposure

Weavers of Change: San Juan Rotary trains PH local weavers for int'l market exposure

Published May 7, 2023 07:16 am
Local weaving communities in the country will soon be introduced to the international market with the launching of a program that is aimed at improving the labor skills of local weavers and eventually set their products on international standard.  Dubbed as Project Habi ng Pag-Asa, the Rotary Club of San Juan Supreme said the project is aimed at producing export-quality woven products while improving the lives of the local weavers. 
The project, which hopes to develop local weaving economies through a sustainable, strategic, and impactful program had its pilot run in Mati, Davao Oriental.  The Rotary team, in close coordination and partnership with the Mati LGU, spearheaded the collaboration with weaving communities from four barangays—Buso, Taguibo, Sanghai, and Mamali—that use Filipino cultural materials such as abacca, bamboo, and romblon.  “The communities that was chosen have full of potential, drive and resilience despite challenges, which was perfect for our pilot run. We imagine Project Habi be elevated to greater proportions, drawing in more volunteers, and impacting more vulnerable groups in the country,” said San Juan Supreme Service Project Director – Mindanao Cara Eriguel- Rabat. She said the program seeks to create long-term profits through skills and mindset enrichment for communities.  Salve Duplito, the founder of Empower and Transform, Phase 1, facilitated a financial capacity-building workshop to help weavers understand the real value of their products and the labor they devote in the process, as well as equip them with knowledge to make sound financial decisions.  FIBERs, another Rotary partner, provided skills training to develop, strengthen, and improve weaving methods in order to be up-to-date with international standards.  Closing the loop is expanding the platforms for local products, through Hibla.PH, an online platform of San Juan Supreme member Chris Ang. For his part, Rotary Club of San Juan Supreme Charter President Josh Santos said the program is part of their organization’s multiple innovative and responsive programs during their Charter year, which changed the way programs were designed and executed.  “We are a very resourceful, creative, and agile club, and our potential to bring meaningful change to fellow Filipinos is endless when we come together. Our women weavers are dedicated to improving their craft and provide for their families, and we are in the best position to help bring their beautiful stories and talents not only in our respective communities but to the world”, said Santos. “Changing society seems like a gargantuan task, but through collaboration and shared vision, it is happening, one thread and weave of hope at a time,” he added.   
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