To further upskill the indigenous weavers of Cauayan City, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2 Isabela Provincial Office conducted a three-day Enhancement Skills Training to the Young Kankanaey Loom Weavers (YKLW) of Barangay Rogus, Cauayan City on 4-6 July 2022.
The activity, with the theme “Istilong Pinoy: Pagsalin at Pagpapayaman ng Katutubong Kultura at mga Kasanayan,” is a part of the second phase of DTI’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program’s (YEP) which aims to handhold Indigenous Youth Organizations in entrepreneurship by providing them raw materials, upgrading/enhancement training, machine & equipment, product development, and marketing assistance.
In his message, IP Sectoral Representative Hon. Faustino “Jong” M. Gapasin, Jr. reiterated the vital role of the youth in fostering a way of life and culture in Cauayan City. “Magtulungan tayo sa pag sustain at pag maintain ng livelihood na ito. Paghusayan pa ninyo upang makilala ang mga produktong ito pati narin ang Barangay ng Rogus” he added.
Mr. Christian Gonzales, the Local Youth Development Officer of Cauayan City, then encouraged the young weavers of Rogus by emphasizing that given the numerous market opportunities for locally woven textiles, it is crucial to consistently enhance the quality of their products.
Meanwhile, Provincial Director (PD) Ma. Sofia G. Narag through TIDS Mary Rose M. Dumpit expressed the agency’s dedication and steadfast support to the growth of IP young entrepreneurs in the City of Cauayan. She also promised that until the group can develop a sustainable commercial endeavor, ongoing assistance would be provided through the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP).
Ms. Casimera M. Indayon, Senior IP, was tapped to train the 14 members from Young Kankanaey Loom Weavers (YKLW). They were able to learn different artistic design patterns and color schemes. They were as well introduced to new cultural products like the “Bahag”.
Also present in the activity were JBC Frechel D. Umaguing and DTI Region 2 Representative Ms. Rodalyn M. Balatico. The DTI R2 will continue to provide the YKLW members with intense product development and technological upgrading, which will open the door for Cauayan City’s textile to be showcased in DTI’s trade shows and expositions. ♦
Date of Release: 27 July 2022