BIBLIOGRAPHY SAGPA-EY, JIMZON S. APRIL 2009....
BIBLIOGRAPHY
SAGPA-EY, JIMZON S. APRIL 2009. Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in
Kabayan, Benguet. Benguet State University. La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Prof. Jovita M. Sim
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to present the evolution of the Kabayan weaving
industry; describe the socio-demographic profile of the industry; identify the market
outlets of the woven products; identify the agencies assisting and supporting the weavers
in Kabayan and the forms of assistance provided; and identify the problems being
encountered and their coping mechanisms to the problems.
The respondents were classified into two; the sewers and the weavers. There were
19 respondents in all; four sewers and fifteen weavers. They were all female. Majority
were married, reached high school level education and young adults. Weaving activities
are considered their full time and main source of their income.
The products are mainly on novelty items. Native clothes and coats are produced
on order basis.
The government agencies supporting the Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts are
the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment
(DOLE), Technical Education and Skills development Authority (TESDA), Department
of Agriculture (DA), Earthquake Rehabilitation Program (ERP), and other organizations.
The kinds of assistance provided were training on product development, on leadership,
and book keeping; advertising; marketing; provision of looms and sewing machines;
creation of trade name and logo; financial support; and information services.
The mentioned main problem of the business is lack of capital. Other problems
are lack of work force, and lack of materials. The sewers and weavers problems were low
labor and some related health problems.
The coping mechanisms recommended to the problems were to get financial
assistance from the government and non-government groups and to send someone to train
for master cutting for free. Lastly, the sewers and weavers should use mask to protect
them from health- related problems
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
iii
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
Statement of the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
Objectives of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
Importance of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Scope and delimitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Indigenous Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
Selection of Weaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
Dyeing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Pricing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Marketing Outlets/Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
Respondents of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
Methods of Data Gathering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
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Data Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Historical Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
Profile of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14
Kinds of Woven Products and Their Prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19
Market Outlets of the Woven Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21
Kinds of Assistance Provided . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
Problems Encountered and Coping Mechanisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
Recommendation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27
LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
APPENDICES
A. Letter to the Respondent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
B. Interview Questionnaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
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1
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Benguet province is popularly known for being one of the major highland
vegetable producing provinces in the country making it, in fact the “Salad Bowl of the
Philippines”. It is bounded by the province of Pangasinan on the south, La Union and
Ilocos Sur on the west and Ifugao on the east.
Having thirteen municipalities, different ethno linguistic groups inhabit this
province. Majority are the Ibalois found in the eastern part and the Kankanaeys in the
northern part of the province. There are also other groups such as the Ikaraos of Bokod;
the Kalanguya said to be the extension of larger Kalanguyas of Nueva Ecija, Nueva
Viscaya and Tinoc, Ifugao even Natividad, Pangasinan; and the Iowak of Itogon. The
daily live of this group is motivated by the belief that someone greater is doing favor to
those who obey and punish those who are not.
The province of Benguet has many things to offer aside from its rich natural
resources. Benguet people are more inclined into farming than any other livelihood
activities. The province is also proud with its weaving industry. Almost all municipalities
of the province had organized weaving groups but apparently only few municipalities
have sustained the weaving operation. Despite the challenges being faced by this
industry, few groups and individuals managed to continue the weaving operation.
Weaving is an important element and component of Benguet culture, it became a
family activity. Women and children have their own role/function in the industry, cotton
separation, dyeing, drying, spinning and weaving. Back strap looms are handed down
either as heirlooms or as gifts from the husband.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
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As a business enterprise, loom weaving started in Baguio City in 1909 at the
Easter Weaving Room. With the influx of tourist in the city in 1970, the demand for
souvenir items identified with Cordillera ethnic groups increased tremendously. Thus,
women who usually wove cloth only for their families started to turn the activity into a
family-based income generating activity (HomeNet, 2007).
Weaving played an important role in the economy of the province especially in
the municipality of Kabayan. In the heart of this town is found a weaving business that
caters even to the international market. This business became a part of the town’s identity
aside from being known for its mummies and Mt. Pulag.
Historically, Kabayan is said to be the origin of Ibaloi culture. Mt. Pulag is
believed to be the home of kavunian, kaapuan, spirits, gods and goddesses of the Ibalois.
Kabayan is located about 85 km northeast of Baguio City. It is bounded on the north by
Buguias, south by Bokod, west by Atok and east by Tinoc, Ifugao and Ambaguio of
Nueva Viscaya.
Kabayan mainly depend on farming as a source of living. However, the entry of
weaving business also became an alternative source of income for the women in the area.
Currently, they have organized weaving groups that continually weave different products.
Now, Benguet woven products and cloth will not only depend from the Ilocano and
Mountain Province weavers but to the Benguet weavers like the Kabayan weaving
industry.
Statement of the Problem
The study aimed to answer the following questions:
1. What is the historical development of the Kabayan weaving industry?
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
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2. What is the socio-demographic profile of Kabayan weaving industry?
3. What are the kinds of woven products they produce?
4. What are the market outlets for these products?
5. What are the agencies assisting/ supporting the weavers and the forms of
assistance provided?
6. What are the problems encountered by these weavers and their coping
mechanisms for these problems?
Objectives of the Study
The study intended to:
1. Present the evolution of the Kabayan weaving industry.
2. To describe the socio-demographic profile of the industry.
3. To identify the kinds of woven products they produce.
4. To identify market outlets of these products.
5. To identify the agencies assisting/ supporting the weavers in Kabayan and the
forms of assistance provided.
6. To identify the problems being encountered and their coping mechanisms for
these problems.
Importance of the Study
The study aims to describe the Kabayan weaving industry; its evolution,
production, and marketing operations. Aside from famously known for its mummies and
Mt. Pulag trekking, this study can also give another view on the Kabayan being one
producer of locally made and with quality woven products to boost. This will also
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
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highlight Kabayan, not just a vegetable producing area, but a weaving area for the
province. This research aims as well to present other perspective linked with weaving
more than the economic support it offers.
In profiling the weaving industry in the municipality of Kabayan, it is important
to have a profile of the key players involved in this industry. This can give an overview
of the weaving industry of the area. The experience of the Kabayan loom weaving
industry can serve as a guide for other entrepreneur intending to go into the same
enterprise.
Likewise, this study can serve as reference for future and in-depth researchers on
Kabayan weaving and other enterprises.
Scope and Delimitation
Kabayan has other women’s association engaged with weaving. Discussions were
concentrated with Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts since it is the business presently
operating to this date.
The respondents of this study were the weavers connected with the business. The
data gathering was conducted on December 2008.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
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REVIEW OF LITERATURE
As said, weaving is a part of the culture of Benguet people. Although, they do not
weave like the Ilocano who use the back strap of loom weaving, they were also taught
by nature to produce and weave clothing using indigenous ways.
Indigenous Practices
Weaving is said to have started centuries ago when people used bark fibers to
produce loin cloth for g-string, belts, tapis (skirts) and ritual blankets. Fibers-producing
trees were then used to protect the bodies from the heat of the sun and the coldness of the
day. In the past, clothing for men consisted of bark cloth called binalbal taken from the
wild breadfruit or balete trees. The women had to patiently piece together the bark cloth
for skirts. The Ibaloi woman uses for her many layered skirt cloth and blouse, the man’s
loin and blankets are made for them by the Ilocanos (Leano, 1985).
There were no accounts that Ibaloi women weave cloth using back strap or loom
weaving machine. However, it is generalized that historically, weaving is a traditional
craft of the Igorots. Most women know how to weave on a back strap loom which
consists of a band strapped together around the hips of the weaver to hold the loom
together. Indigenous raw materials used for weaving then were obtained from barks,
which were palm-twisted on the thigh to produce the threads. These were dyed in herbs
and wild berries. The finished woven materials were thick and coarse and about 41
centimeters in width and 14-16 meters in length. Later, the cotton threads used for
weaving were procured from lowland merchants. Innovations in weaving were
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
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introduced like the use of the Ilokano upright looms that are more efficient and versatile
(Industry Profile: Loom Weaving, DTI).
Vanoberbergh, 1929 as cited by Nguslab, 2007 reported that the indigenous
customs and traditions of the people of the Cordillera as a whole have persisted through
centuries, although there have been many changes and accommodations of non-
indigenous practices especially in town centers. Among these integral to the community’s
way of life which connected the materials world to the spirituals world of the Cordillera.
Being a major industry in the world, weaving also became an interesting subject
for studies. These are other concerns associated with weaving industry, some of which
are the selection of weavers, dyeing, pricing and channel or marketing outlets. Same with
other industries, problems, constraints or limitation related to these activities are also
given attention as a part of studies.
Selection of Weaves
A consumer should have a few general principles in mind when selecting a woven
fabric. The purpose for which the fabrics are to be used is very important. Some weavers
are made for strength and durability; others are made for beauty, richness of texture and
designs (Wingate, 1964).
The selection of fabrics or clothing begins with knowledge of fiber properties;
types of yarns which influence fabric texture and handle fabric construction which
influences handle, shape, wrinkle resistance and general appearance (Ghol and Vilensky,
1971).
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
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Dyeing
Fabrics are traditionally color dyed in liquid dyes; salt and other chemicals, which
help to fix the dye in the cloth, are also dissolved into the liquid so that the fabric retains
the color when used and when washed (Down, 1999).
The consumer is becoming more conscious of the color of the fabrics. Through
the educational aid of intelligent sales people and national advertising, the consumer is
learning what colors and their combinations best suit certain types and is becoming more
particular in selecting colors for home (Wingate, 1964).
The hard woven fabrics are colored with vegetable dye. Yellow from the roots of
yellow ginger; pink, lavender and fuchsia from the bark of sapang tree; brown and khake
from the bark of the kapok tree; mocha from the bark of camatchile tree; blue from the
leaves of tagum; black from the leaves of talisay tree and orange from the bark of cabuga
tree or noni tree. The combinations of different dye stuff, temperature and length of time
will produce different color (La Herminia, 2008).
Pricing
As stated by Pakias (2008), price is money given to a seller in exchange for
good/s or service/s. Generally, industries price their products through cost-based pricing.
Cost of production plus mark-up or market pricing or the prevailing price is market.
The selling price of the weavers and sewers is usually based on the on-going
market price. During lean season process are said to be about 10% lower, this is widely
practiced in order to sell and therefore have income (HomeNet, 2007).
Some weavers figure the price for a piece and should be four times the cost of the
materials. Others divide the total basic cost by the annual production time, which they
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
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determine by multiplying the number of hours per week times the number of weeks per
years used for weaving (Held, 1999).
Marketing Outlets/ Channels
Marketing channels consist of the set of people and firms involved in the transfer
of title to a product as the product moves from producer to ultimate consumer or business
user. A channel of distribution always includes both the producer and the final customer
for the product in its present form as well as any middlemen such as retailers and
wholesalers. The channel for a product extends only to the last person or organization
that buys it without making any significant change in its form. Producers, middleman and
final customers, other institutions aid in the distribution process (Etzel et al. 2001).
In the Cordillera, most of the woven products are sold in Baguio City and in the
factory sites. Some bigger firms have supply contracts with department stores in Metro
Manila and Metro Davao (DTI, 2007).
Problems
Some problems relative to the production of woven cloth are inability to improve
the quality and quantity of the products, and raw materials shortage especially during the
peak season. Engaging in their activity also affects the health of the weaver most of
whom suffer from back pains due to long hours of weaving (HomeNet, 2007).
In Cebu, the sales and profit have been falling for the last five years due to the
heighten competition brought about by the globalization. A lot of cheap substitute have
now entered the market and which the designs are pegged to satisfy big buyers
(HomeNet, 2007).
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
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DTI (2007), studies have significant and common problems true to all provinces
regarding the weaving industry. These are: weaving is considered an alternative
livelihood and have limited effort to make it as a main source of living production and
trading firms were established but a significant number has been dissolved due to lack of
capital, number of sewer is diminishing because younger generation prefer other lucrative
mainstream jobs; and weaving organizations have strong potential but needs
strengthening and management development.
Anent to this, initial result of the BSU textile research team, an Angara-funded
project shows that major dilemma the weaving industry is facing are the marketing of
products and the availability of threads in the local market.
Same with this study on the Kabayan weaving, it aims to identify the problem
being faced by the weavers but limited to the municipality of Kabayan.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
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METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
This research was conducted at Kabayan, Benguet limited only to the barangay of
Poblacion, where there are still existing weavers.
The data gathering was conducted on December 2008.
Respondents of the Study
The respondents of the study were the owner of the Kabayan Weaving Arts and
Crafts and all the weavers in the study area. These weavers are those who are affiliated or
contract weaver of Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts (KWAC).
Data Gathering
The data needed was gathered with the use of Key Informant Interview (KII). The
key informant interview was employed with the owner, and also with the weavers in
Kabayan. A questionnaire was used as a guide during the interview. Secondary or desk
researches were also a great help in the study. The data gathered from the library also
verify some data needed.
Data Analysis
The data gathered were tabulated, analyzed, discussed and interpreted.
Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentage, mean, and ranking was used
primarily to describe the data. Qualitative discussion was employed since there was no
hypothesis that this research wants to prove.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
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Figure 1. Location map of the study area
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Historical Development
Kabayan, Benguet is introduced as an ecotourism destination in the country, as it
is famous for its mummies and Mt. Pulag. It is also a right time for its weaving to be
known.
Before reaching its present status, the weaving operation had to overcome the
barriers along the way, more the pressures coming from the community. Now, its
accomplishments brought recognition to the municipality, as well as the province and to
the weaving world.
Culturally, Kabayan is not a weaving area only until 1970’s when it was
introduced. In 1973, formal training on weaving was conducted by Department of Trade
and Industries (DTI). This was through the organized women’s association. Trainings on
weaving paved the way for the local people to embrace weaving in their culture.
Maxencia Pili, Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts owner, recalled that during the 1973
DTI training, she was with the local government unit, thus she attended the training after
office hours. Despite of time constraints, her willingness to learn pushed her to develop
more her skills. She was first taught by her aunt, thus Pili started to operate the loom
weaving during her elementary grades.
Later on, she bought her own loom and started to produce woven products for
family’s use. In 1991, year after the earthquake, her husband traded woven products up
to Kilometer 21, of the Halsema Highway. It was this time when she first saw the
potential of woven products in the market.
13
Aside from her family doing weaving activities, the Kabayan Women Association
also are involved on the weaving industry in the area. The association was organized in
order to avail assistance from the government and non government agencies.
In 1994, after her operation, Pili went back to Kabayan and saw that looms given
to the association were not being used. With the passion in weaving, he requested
assistance to revive the association. Having no funds at that time, Pili personally provided
the members with threads to start again with their weaving activities.
With the fact that more problems arise in the association, DTI then suggested Pili
to register the weaving business on her own name. The Earthquake Rehabilitation Project
(ERP) likewise assisted her on the trade name and logo, now- the Kabayan Weaving Arts
and Crafts (KWAC) was born.
The Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts is a privately managed business in close
coordination with the Kabayan Women’s Association (KWA). Members of the Kabayan
Women’s Association were absorbed to work with Pili.
Now, the Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts is one tourist destination in
Poblacion, Kabayan, Benguet. As have mentioned earlier, business is personally managed
by Maxencia Pili who employs fifteen (15) weavers and seven (7) sewers.
Transcending from being a business entity, it helped the women to regain their
self-worth from their past experiences. The KWAC generates employment for the Out of
School Youth, single parents (widows and mother out of wedlock). For this, she was
given the Ramon Magsaysay Award by TESDA for such contribution in the area.
The Kabayan Women’s Development Association (KWDA) works with the
Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts. The association is responsible in requesting trainings
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
14
and seminars for the weaving operation. To accommodate the husbands of the members
and other people from the community, the KWDA was change into Kabayan Women and
Farmers Development Association (KWFDA). The association included the farmers in
the name because they also initiated the production of different Yacon products as a
source of income in the area. Yacon is a tuberous crop which was introduced in the
northern part of Philippines by Japanese. It is an organically grown crops which they
claimed a medicinal plant. The association was also the team behind the
commercialization of Lemon grass (balanoi) tea and lemon grass oil as another
alternative source of livelihood in the community.
Profile of the Respondents
Table one presents the profile of the respondents in this study. The respondents
were classified into two; the sewers and the weavers. All these respondents were
members of the Kabayan Women’s Association. Out of the 19 respondents, 4 are sewers
and 15 are weavers.
Age. The age of the respondents ranges from 17-56 years old. Fifty percent of the
sewers belong to the age bracket of 47-56 years old, and 25% are ranging from 37-46
years old or 27-36 years old. Forty-seven percent of the weavers belong to the age
bracket of 17-26 years old, followed by 33% with age ranging from 37-46 years old, and
the remaining 20% of the respondents belong to the age brackets 47-56 and 17-26 years
old. This implies that most of the women engaged in weaving are young adults.
Sex. The data shows that the sewers and weavers are all female (100%). This
shows that women are into the weaving industry more than men. This affirms what the
HomeNet says that women are into the weaving activities, thus it is a job for women. It
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
15
may also be attributed that because the weaving industry in the place make used of
indigenous materials thus, no complicated machines were used and weaving activity
could be done at home.
Civil status. Seventy-five percent of the sewers were married and 25% were
single. On the other hand, 60% of the weavers were married while 40% were single. This
shows that more married women are into weaving than single women. The result implies
that weaving activity is more attractive to married women especially those unemployed.
It is an additional source of income for the family. The single women are also involved
because the Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts employed the out of school youth. The
young and single employees composed the out of school youth.
Educational attainment. The table shows that 75% of the sewers had reached
college and 25% elementary education. Of the weavers, 66% reached high school, 27%
reached college and 7% elementary education. This implies that majority of the
respondents had formal education, though 32% only had reached only elementary school.
Monthly income. The table shows that all sewers have a monthly income out of
sewing ranges from Php 5,000 - 8,000. None of the sewers and weavers has an income
ranging from Php 9,000-16,000 and two of the weavers did not reveal/indicate their
income. Fifty-three percent of the respondents of the weavers have an income ranging
from Php1, 000 - 4,000 ranges. This implies that the sewers have a higher income than
the weavers. According to Fuellos (n.d) the average monthly salary of weavers from
small weaving firms is Php 3,000 with minimum and maximum salaries between Php 500
and Php 6,000.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
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Year started to weave/sew. The table shows that seventy five percent of the
sewers started sewing in 1994 while 25% started in 2005. In weaving, 54% started from
year 2001-2008, 20% from year 1991-200 and 13% from year 1981-1990 or 1970-1980.
This implies that more people got interested to learn the business.
Average number of hours in a day involved in weaving activities. The table
shows that all the sewers (100%) used 6 to 15 hours of their time everyday for sewing
similar time as 60% of the weavers spend in weaving. Results show that the weavers and
sewers spend much time in this activity. The workers are even working beyond the
regular eight hours working time in government and private offices.
Average number of days in a week involved in sewing/weaving. All the sewers
(100%) spend five to seven days each week to sew while 54% of the weavers spend the
same days in weaving. 20% spend three to four days per week and 13% spend one to two
day per week. This implies that same time is involved in sewing and weaving.
Table 1. Profile of the respondents
PARTICULAR SEWERS
WEAVERS
F % F
%
Age
17-26 0 0
7
47
27-36 1 25
1
7
37-46 1 25
5
33
47-56 2 50
2
13
TOTAL 4
100
15
100
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
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Table 1 Continued…
PARTICULAR SEWERS
WEAVERS
F % F
%
Sex
Male 0 0
0
0
Female 4
100
15
100
TOTAL 4
100
15
100
Civil Status
Married 3
75
9
60
Single 1
25
6
40
TOTAL 4
100
15
100
Educational
Attainment
Elementary 1
25
1
7
High School
0
0
10
66
College
3
75
4
27
TOTAL 4
100
15
100
Monthly Income
Less 1000
0
0
1
7
1000-4000 0
0
8
53
5000-8000 4
100
3
20
9000-12000 0
0
0
0
13000-16000 0
0
0
0
17000-20000 0
0
1
7
Not Revealed
0
0
2
13
TOTAL 4
100
15
100
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
18
Table 1. Continued…
PARTICULAR SEWERS
WEAVERS
F % F
%
Year Started to Sew/
Weave
1970-1980 0
0
2
13
1981-1990 0
0
2
13
1991-2000 3
75
3
20
2001-2008 1
25
8
54
TOTAL 4
100
15
100
Average Number of
Days Involved in
Sewing/Weaving
1-5 0 0
4
27
6-10 2 50
6
40
11-15 2 50
3
20
Not Revealed
0
0
2
13
TOTAL 4
100
15
100
Average Days in a
Week Involved in
Sewing/Weaving
1-2 0 0
2
13
3-4 0 0
3
20
5-7 4 100 8
54
Not Revealed
0
0
2
13
TOTAL 4
100
15
100
Kinds of Woven Products and Their Wholesale Prices
Table 2 illustrates the kind of woven (novelty) products and their corresponding
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
19
present prices when out in the market. The prices are according to the products’ sizes
and are for wholesale prices.
Table 2. Woven products and their prices
WOVEN PRODUCTS
PRICE/ SIZE
Cell phone case pouch
35-50
Cell phone case with single zipper
50-60
Cell phone case with double zipper
70-80
Sling bag
150-250
Pouch bag short strap
150-250
Pouch bag long strap
175-350
Coin purse flat
30-Oct
Coin purse short cord
25-30
Shawl 200-300
Scarf 120-150
Chalico 600-750
Coats 3000-3500
Benguet costume
2000-2500
Body bag
75-100
Ladies bag
150-250
Shoulder bag
250-400
Back pack
300-600
Pencil case
30-50
Utility bag
100-250
USB purse
25-35
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
20
Table 2. Continued…
WOVEN PRODUCTS
PRICE/ SIZE
Envelop bag with handle
250
Envelop bag without handle
200
Water bag
100-120
Umbrella case
100-120
Django bags with tussle
250-400
Django bags without tussle
250-350
Blazers 1800-2500
Blouses 500-600
Capes 150-200
Cultch bag
120-200
Table runner
200-250
Place mat
75-100
Napkins 75
Glass coaster
35-50
Men’s wallet
100-200
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
21
Figure 2. Displayed products
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
22
Figure 3. Kinds of coin purses
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
23
Market Outlet of the Woven Products
Most of the woven products are sold in Tiongsan La Trinidad and in Center Mall
Baguio City. The firm also sells their produce to whole sellers and retailers, these traders
have their own stalls and usually buy in larger amount. They also supply native attires to
Nueva Viscaya; orders from overseas for gifts are also entertained that opened the door
for the international market.
Direct selling to walk-in costumers is also a usual way of the firm to market its
products. Most of the time, the KWAC is being invited to trade fairs, a good opportunity
for them to showcase and sell their products.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
24
Figure 4. Stall outlet at Baguio Center Mall
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
25
Kinds of Assistance Provided
Table 3 presents the kinds of assistance provided by the different agencies of the
government. These are:
Marketing. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assist in the marketing
aspect of Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts, like market matching. KWAC also attends
to the trade fairs- provincial, regional and national.
Training. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in cooperation with other
agencies such a Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education
and Skills development Authority (TESDA) and Department of Agriculture (DA)
provided trainings and seminars for the firm. The training was on product development,
leadership and book keeping. Skills and knowledge acquired are deemed vital in the
sustainability of the weaving operations.
Provision of equipment/ materials. Some of the weavers had already their own
looms, but for those who do not have the Department of Trade and Industry provided
those five (5) looms and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA) gave them three (3) sewing machines. Aside from these agencies, the
Earthquake Rehabilitation Program (ERP) also gave an important role because it is
responsible in creating the trade name and logo.
Advertisement. Radio stations in the locality like BOMBO and DZWT had
interviewed Ms. Pili about her business; further she was also invited to some schools as a
guest speaker which gave her opportunity to let know about the business.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
26
Table 3. Institutional supports provided by the government agencies
AGENCY ASSISTANCE
PROVIDED
DTI
Trainings, financial assistance, marketing,
provision of looms
DOLE Training
TESDA
Training, provision of sewing machines
DA Training
ERP
Trade name and logo
OTHERS
Advertisement, information services
Problems Encountered by the Business and Coping Mechanisms
Table 4 shows the challenges faced by the respondents. Along with these, the key
informant said that the main problem of the firm as noted is lack of capital. Capital is
needed by the firm to cover up larger production, to purchase new equipments and to
improve the working area. Other problem faced are the cost and availability of materials
especially thread, and the need of additional person to work, especially skilled worker.
The sewers’ and weavers’ main problems were: low labor and some health related
problems.
The coping mechanisms to address the problems are mentioned; financial
assistance from the government and non-government institutions and utilizing the prices
obtained from Trade Fairs to buy appropriate machines and materials. In the problem of
lack of work force, to send an interested person to go study master cutting/ tailoring with
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
27
a full scholarship sponsored by the firm, and to maintain piece contract strategy to
distinguish those who had a high-quality work.
Lastly, the weavers and sewers should use mask while working to avoid health
problems.
Table 4. Problems/challenges encountered and it’s coping mechanisms
PROBLEMS FREQUENCY
COPING
MECHANISMS
Health problems
-irritation due to dust
- Uses mask
of threads
6
- body pains
11
Lack of workforce
2
- To send someone to train for master
cutting/tailoring for free
- Maintain piece contract strategy
Low labor
2
Understand the situation of the business
Lack of materials (sago )
1
Adjust, just get appropriate work for
the sago’s size (sago, thread)
Lack
of
capital
1
get financial assistance from the
government and non-government
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
28
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study was conducted to present the evolution of the Kabayan weaving
industry; to describe the socio-demographic profile of the industry; to identify the kinds
of woven products; to identify the market outlets of the said products; to identify the
agencies assisting/supporting the weavers in Kabayan, and the form of assistance
provided; and to identify the problems being encountered and their coping mechanisms
for these problems.
A total of nineteen (19) respondents- four (4) sewers, and fifteen (15) weavers
were interviewed using questionnaire and interview guide. The study was conducted in
Poblacion, Kabayan, Benguet on December 2008.
The data gathered were tabulated and analyzed using frequency and percentage.
They were then discussed and interpreted according to the listed objectives of the study.
The Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts is the only existing weaving business in
Kabayan, Benguet known for its quality hand woven products. It is a privately owned
business that generates employment for the women in the community especially for the
out of school youths and single parents.
The respondents are all female. Majority were married, reached high school level
of education and young adults. Weaving activities are considered to be their full time and
main source of their income.
The woven products produced are mainly concentrated on novelty items. Native
clothes and coats are produced on order basis.
29
The major market outlets mentioned by the owner were: Tiongsan La Trinidad
and Baguio Center Mall. They also supply native attires in Nueva Viscaya and join trade
fairs.
The government agencies supporting the Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts are
DTI, DOLE, TESDA, DA, ERP and other organizations. The kinds of assistance
provided are: creating the trade name and logo, Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts,
trainings of the workers to develop the skills needed, assisting the business in terms of
financial, advertising and marketing, providing of looms and machines needed, and
helping in the information services.
The proprietress has mentioned problems of the business. The main problem is
lack of capital. Other problems are lack of workforce especially the skilled ones, and lack
of materials needed for the weaving activities. Sewers and weavers problems were: low
labor and some health related problems.
The coping mechanisms recommended by the respondents to address these
problems are to get financial assistance from the government and non-government groups
and to send someone to train for master cutting for free. In the part of the workers, they
are proposed to observe and self-study the process of weaving and to use mask while
working to avoid health problems.
Conclusion
Based on the results of the study, the following conclusions are drawn:
1.
The Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts introduced Kabayan to the weaving
industry. This is with the close coordination with Kabayan Women and Farmers
Development Association.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
30
2.
The respondents are all female. Majority of them were married, reached high
school level education, and young adults. Weaving activities are considered their full
time and main source of income.
3.
The products manufactured are concentrated mainly on novelty items, native
clothes and coats are only produced on order basis.
4.
The present status of the business is attributed to the full support of different
national agencies since its establishment. The skills required will sustain the operation for
more years to come.
5.
The main outlets of the products were Baguio Center Mall and Tiongsan La
Trinidad. Participating in trade fairs is also helpful.
6.
Capital is identified as the major problem. This is necessary to expand more its
production- market is not considered a main problem in its operation.
Recommendations
Based on the conclusions, the following recommendations were formulated:
1.
The Local Government Unit should strengthen the weaving industry through
assistance through promotion/market linkage, technical assistance to improve technology
and create more products and design and sourcing of funds.
2.
Research institutions working on weaving should provide the knowledge, skills
and other information necessary for the advancement of weaving, not just in KWAC but
in other weaving businesses as well.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
31
LITERATURE CITED
DOWN, J. 1994. Textile Technology to GCSE. Oxford: Oxford University Press. P.138.
DTI. 2007. Weaving the Tapestry for the Development of the Cordillera Weaving
Industry: A summary report.
DTI and CORDNET. 2007. Weaving-an “in-between” Culture: The Case of Baguio and
Benguet.
ETZEL, M.J, WALKER and W.J. STANTON. 2001. Marketing 12th ed. USA: McGraw
Hill Book Co. Pp.5- 6; 396-403;463-468.
GHOL and VILENSKY. 1971. Textile for Modern weaving. Sydney: Cheshire
Publishing.
P19.
HELD, S.E.1999. Weaving: a handbook of fiber art. USA: Capital City Press. Pp.382-
384.
HOMENET.2007. Weaving in Apugan. Retrieved August 03, 2008 from
http:www.homenetseasia.org/Philippines/products-Baguio.html.
HOMENET.2007. The Fashion Accessories Industry. Retrieved August 03, 2008 from
http://www.homenetseasia.org/philippines/products-Baguio.html.
LA HERMINIA.2007. La Herminia Pina Waving Industry. Retrieved August 03, 2008
from
http://www.Laherminiaweaving.com.ph/products.php.
LEABEAU, C.1994. Fabrics: the decorative arts of textiles. New York: Clarkson N.
Potter, Inc. P.16.
LEANO, I.W. 1985. The ibaloys of Takdian: Theirn Social, Economic and Religious
Life. Unpublished Dessertation. Philippine Women’s University. P.103.
MONTINOLA, L. 1991. Pina. Manila. AMON Foundation. Pp.11-12.
NGUSLAB, C. 2007. Symbolic meaning of figures in Bontoc Tapis. BS Thesis. Benguet
State University, La Trinidad, Benguet. P.5.
PAKIAS, J. 2008. Wine Preferences of Consumers in Bontoc, Mt. Province. BS Thesis.
Benguet State University, La Trinidad Benguet. P.103.
WINGATE, I.B. 1964. Textile Fabrics and Their Selection. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall,
Inc.P.119.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
32
APPENDIX
Letter to the Respondent
Republic of the Philippines
Benguet State University
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS
AND AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Sir/Madam:
Greetings!
I am Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey, an Agribusiness student of Benguet State University
Majoring in Enterprise Management. I am Graduating student; however I need to
complete my thesis entitled Profile of the Loom weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet.
In cooperation with this, I am requesting for your assistance to complete my thesis
by giving the information needed in the study. Rest assured that all the data gathered will
be used only to serve the purpose of my study.
Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Respectfully yours,
JIMZON S. SAGPA-EY
Researcher
Noted:
Prof. JOVITA M. SIM
Thesis Adviser
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
33
APPENDIX B
Interview Questionnaire
Profile of the Loom weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet
1. Industry Profile
Name: ___________________
Age:
__________
Sex:
__________
Civil Status: ______________
Address: __________________
Educational attainment:
____
Elementary
____ High School
____ College Income
Number of years engaged in weaving: ______
Year Started to weave: ________
Number of family members engaged in weaving Activities: __________
Average number of hours in a day involved in weaving activities: _________
Average number of days in a week involved in sewing/weaving: _________
Monthly Income: ________
2. Where do you buy materials to be used?
3. What are the products you produced?
Kinds of
(please check)
Volume produced
Income derived
products
Native clothes
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
34
Blouses
Blankets
Purses
Sandals/slippers
Pants
Skirts
Table runners
Bags
Cell phone case
Baby dresses
Gowns
Wall decors
Bonnets
Adult dresses
Shawls
Pillow cases
Hats
Others: please
specify
4. Market Outlet/s
___ Baguio Hanger Market
___ Maharlika Alley
___
Baguio
Hilltop
___
Trade
fairs
___
Mines
View
___
on
site
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
35
___
Strawberry
farm
___
others
(specify)
5. Kinds of buyer/s
___ Retailers/ stall owners
___
local
___
As
ordered ___
walk-in
costumers
___
exports
___
others
(specify)
6. Institutional Support
Please
Check:
Supports
Provided
NGO (specify)
BSU
PTRI
DOT
DTI (Region/ Province)
SCU (specify)
BenguetNet
FIDA
Private company (specify)
TESDA (Region/ Province)
CASCADE
DA
DOLE
LGU (specify:C/P/MSWDO, P/MAO)
DSWD
Others: specify
** Financial assistance, provision of equipments/ materials, technical assistance, linkages/ networks,
trainings/ seminars, information services (IEC), advertising/ promotion, marketing
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
36
7. Problems/ constraints/challenges faced in the weaving production
a. _________________________________________________
b. _________________________________________________
c. _________________________________________________
8. Coping mechanisms/strategies employed to these problems
a. _________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________
c. __________________________________________________
Guide Questions for the owner:
1. When and how did you start the business?
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
SAGPA-EY, JIMZON S. APRIL 2009. Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in
Kabayan, Benguet. Benguet State University. La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Prof. Jovita M. Sim
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to present the evolution of the Kabayan weaving
industry; describe the socio-demographic profile of the industry; identify the market
outlets of the woven products; identify the agencies assisting and supporting the weavers
in Kabayan and the forms of assistance provided; and identify the problems being
encountered and their coping mechanisms to the problems.
The respondents were classified into two; the sewers and the weavers. There were
19 respondents in all; four sewers and fifteen weavers. They were all female. Majority
were married, reached high school level education and young adults. Weaving activities
are considered their full time and main source of their income.
The products are mainly on novelty items. Native clothes and coats are produced
on order basis.
The government agencies supporting the Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts are
the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment
(DOLE), Technical Education and Skills development Authority (TESDA), Department
of Agriculture (DA), Earthquake Rehabilitation Program (ERP), and other organizations.
The kinds of assistance provided were training on product development, on leadership,
and book keeping; advertising; marketing; provision of looms and sewing machines;
creation of trade name and logo; financial support; and information services.
The mentioned main problem of the business is lack of capital. Other problems
are lack of work force, and lack of materials. The sewers and weavers problems were low
labor and some related health problems.
The coping mechanisms recommended to the problems were to get financial
assistance from the government and non-government groups and to send someone to train
for master cutting for free. Lastly, the sewers and weavers should use mask to protect
them from health- related problems
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
iii
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
Statement of the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
Objectives of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
Importance of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Scope and delimitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Indigenous Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
Selection of Weaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
Dyeing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Pricing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Marketing Outlets/Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
Respondents of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
Methods of Data Gathering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
iii
Data Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Historical Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
Profile of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14
Kinds of Woven Products and Their Prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19
Market Outlets of the Woven Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21
Kinds of Assistance Provided . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
Problems Encountered and Coping Mechanisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
Recommendation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27
LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
APPENDICES
A. Letter to the Respondent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
B. Interview Questionnaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
iv
1
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Benguet province is popularly known for being one of the major highland
vegetable producing provinces in the country making it, in fact the “Salad Bowl of the
Philippines”. It is bounded by the province of Pangasinan on the south, La Union and
Ilocos Sur on the west and Ifugao on the east.
Having thirteen municipalities, different ethno linguistic groups inhabit this
province. Majority are the Ibalois found in the eastern part and the Kankanaeys in the
northern part of the province. There are also other groups such as the Ikaraos of Bokod;
the Kalanguya said to be the extension of larger Kalanguyas of Nueva Ecija, Nueva
Viscaya and Tinoc, Ifugao even Natividad, Pangasinan; and the Iowak of Itogon. The
daily live of this group is motivated by the belief that someone greater is doing favor to
those who obey and punish those who are not.
The province of Benguet has many things to offer aside from its rich natural
resources. Benguet people are more inclined into farming than any other livelihood
activities. The province is also proud with its weaving industry. Almost all municipalities
of the province had organized weaving groups but apparently only few municipalities
have sustained the weaving operation. Despite the challenges being faced by this
industry, few groups and individuals managed to continue the weaving operation.
Weaving is an important element and component of Benguet culture, it became a
family activity. Women and children have their own role/function in the industry, cotton
separation, dyeing, drying, spinning and weaving. Back strap looms are handed down
either as heirlooms or as gifts from the husband.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
2
As a business enterprise, loom weaving started in Baguio City in 1909 at the
Easter Weaving Room. With the influx of tourist in the city in 1970, the demand for
souvenir items identified with Cordillera ethnic groups increased tremendously. Thus,
women who usually wove cloth only for their families started to turn the activity into a
family-based income generating activity (HomeNet, 2007).
Weaving played an important role in the economy of the province especially in
the municipality of Kabayan. In the heart of this town is found a weaving business that
caters even to the international market. This business became a part of the town’s identity
aside from being known for its mummies and Mt. Pulag.
Historically, Kabayan is said to be the origin of Ibaloi culture. Mt. Pulag is
believed to be the home of kavunian, kaapuan, spirits, gods and goddesses of the Ibalois.
Kabayan is located about 85 km northeast of Baguio City. It is bounded on the north by
Buguias, south by Bokod, west by Atok and east by Tinoc, Ifugao and Ambaguio of
Nueva Viscaya.
Kabayan mainly depend on farming as a source of living. However, the entry of
weaving business also became an alternative source of income for the women in the area.
Currently, they have organized weaving groups that continually weave different products.
Now, Benguet woven products and cloth will not only depend from the Ilocano and
Mountain Province weavers but to the Benguet weavers like the Kabayan weaving
industry.
Statement of the Problem
The study aimed to answer the following questions:
1. What is the historical development of the Kabayan weaving industry?
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
3
2. What is the socio-demographic profile of Kabayan weaving industry?
3. What are the kinds of woven products they produce?
4. What are the market outlets for these products?
5. What are the agencies assisting/ supporting the weavers and the forms of
assistance provided?
6. What are the problems encountered by these weavers and their coping
mechanisms for these problems?
Objectives of the Study
The study intended to:
1. Present the evolution of the Kabayan weaving industry.
2. To describe the socio-demographic profile of the industry.
3. To identify the kinds of woven products they produce.
4. To identify market outlets of these products.
5. To identify the agencies assisting/ supporting the weavers in Kabayan and the
forms of assistance provided.
6. To identify the problems being encountered and their coping mechanisms for
these problems.
Importance of the Study
The study aims to describe the Kabayan weaving industry; its evolution,
production, and marketing operations. Aside from famously known for its mummies and
Mt. Pulag trekking, this study can also give another view on the Kabayan being one
producer of locally made and with quality woven products to boost. This will also
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
4
highlight Kabayan, not just a vegetable producing area, but a weaving area for the
province. This research aims as well to present other perspective linked with weaving
more than the economic support it offers.
In profiling the weaving industry in the municipality of Kabayan, it is important
to have a profile of the key players involved in this industry. This can give an overview
of the weaving industry of the area. The experience of the Kabayan loom weaving
industry can serve as a guide for other entrepreneur intending to go into the same
enterprise.
Likewise, this study can serve as reference for future and in-depth researchers on
Kabayan weaving and other enterprises.
Scope and Delimitation
Kabayan has other women’s association engaged with weaving. Discussions were
concentrated with Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts since it is the business presently
operating to this date.
The respondents of this study were the weavers connected with the business. The
data gathering was conducted on December 2008.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
5
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
As said, weaving is a part of the culture of Benguet people. Although, they do not
weave like the Ilocano who use the back strap of loom weaving, they were also taught
by nature to produce and weave clothing using indigenous ways.
Indigenous Practices
Weaving is said to have started centuries ago when people used bark fibers to
produce loin cloth for g-string, belts, tapis (skirts) and ritual blankets. Fibers-producing
trees were then used to protect the bodies from the heat of the sun and the coldness of the
day. In the past, clothing for men consisted of bark cloth called binalbal taken from the
wild breadfruit or balete trees. The women had to patiently piece together the bark cloth
for skirts. The Ibaloi woman uses for her many layered skirt cloth and blouse, the man’s
loin and blankets are made for them by the Ilocanos (Leano, 1985).
There were no accounts that Ibaloi women weave cloth using back strap or loom
weaving machine. However, it is generalized that historically, weaving is a traditional
craft of the Igorots. Most women know how to weave on a back strap loom which
consists of a band strapped together around the hips of the weaver to hold the loom
together. Indigenous raw materials used for weaving then were obtained from barks,
which were palm-twisted on the thigh to produce the threads. These were dyed in herbs
and wild berries. The finished woven materials were thick and coarse and about 41
centimeters in width and 14-16 meters in length. Later, the cotton threads used for
weaving were procured from lowland merchants. Innovations in weaving were
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
6
introduced like the use of the Ilokano upright looms that are more efficient and versatile
(Industry Profile: Loom Weaving, DTI).
Vanoberbergh, 1929 as cited by Nguslab, 2007 reported that the indigenous
customs and traditions of the people of the Cordillera as a whole have persisted through
centuries, although there have been many changes and accommodations of non-
indigenous practices especially in town centers. Among these integral to the community’s
way of life which connected the materials world to the spirituals world of the Cordillera.
Being a major industry in the world, weaving also became an interesting subject
for studies. These are other concerns associated with weaving industry, some of which
are the selection of weavers, dyeing, pricing and channel or marketing outlets. Same with
other industries, problems, constraints or limitation related to these activities are also
given attention as a part of studies.
Selection of Weaves
A consumer should have a few general principles in mind when selecting a woven
fabric. The purpose for which the fabrics are to be used is very important. Some weavers
are made for strength and durability; others are made for beauty, richness of texture and
designs (Wingate, 1964).
The selection of fabrics or clothing begins with knowledge of fiber properties;
types of yarns which influence fabric texture and handle fabric construction which
influences handle, shape, wrinkle resistance and general appearance (Ghol and Vilensky,
1971).
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
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Dyeing
Fabrics are traditionally color dyed in liquid dyes; salt and other chemicals, which
help to fix the dye in the cloth, are also dissolved into the liquid so that the fabric retains
the color when used and when washed (Down, 1999).
The consumer is becoming more conscious of the color of the fabrics. Through
the educational aid of intelligent sales people and national advertising, the consumer is
learning what colors and their combinations best suit certain types and is becoming more
particular in selecting colors for home (Wingate, 1964).
The hard woven fabrics are colored with vegetable dye. Yellow from the roots of
yellow ginger; pink, lavender and fuchsia from the bark of sapang tree; brown and khake
from the bark of the kapok tree; mocha from the bark of camatchile tree; blue from the
leaves of tagum; black from the leaves of talisay tree and orange from the bark of cabuga
tree or noni tree. The combinations of different dye stuff, temperature and length of time
will produce different color (La Herminia, 2008).
Pricing
As stated by Pakias (2008), price is money given to a seller in exchange for
good/s or service/s. Generally, industries price their products through cost-based pricing.
Cost of production plus mark-up or market pricing or the prevailing price is market.
The selling price of the weavers and sewers is usually based on the on-going
market price. During lean season process are said to be about 10% lower, this is widely
practiced in order to sell and therefore have income (HomeNet, 2007).
Some weavers figure the price for a piece and should be four times the cost of the
materials. Others divide the total basic cost by the annual production time, which they
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
8
determine by multiplying the number of hours per week times the number of weeks per
years used for weaving (Held, 1999).
Marketing Outlets/ Channels
Marketing channels consist of the set of people and firms involved in the transfer
of title to a product as the product moves from producer to ultimate consumer or business
user. A channel of distribution always includes both the producer and the final customer
for the product in its present form as well as any middlemen such as retailers and
wholesalers. The channel for a product extends only to the last person or organization
that buys it without making any significant change in its form. Producers, middleman and
final customers, other institutions aid in the distribution process (Etzel et al. 2001).
In the Cordillera, most of the woven products are sold in Baguio City and in the
factory sites. Some bigger firms have supply contracts with department stores in Metro
Manila and Metro Davao (DTI, 2007).
Problems
Some problems relative to the production of woven cloth are inability to improve
the quality and quantity of the products, and raw materials shortage especially during the
peak season. Engaging in their activity also affects the health of the weaver most of
whom suffer from back pains due to long hours of weaving (HomeNet, 2007).
In Cebu, the sales and profit have been falling for the last five years due to the
heighten competition brought about by the globalization. A lot of cheap substitute have
now entered the market and which the designs are pegged to satisfy big buyers
(HomeNet, 2007).
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
9
DTI (2007), studies have significant and common problems true to all provinces
regarding the weaving industry. These are: weaving is considered an alternative
livelihood and have limited effort to make it as a main source of living production and
trading firms were established but a significant number has been dissolved due to lack of
capital, number of sewer is diminishing because younger generation prefer other lucrative
mainstream jobs; and weaving organizations have strong potential but needs
strengthening and management development.
Anent to this, initial result of the BSU textile research team, an Angara-funded
project shows that major dilemma the weaving industry is facing are the marketing of
products and the availability of threads in the local market.
Same with this study on the Kabayan weaving, it aims to identify the problem
being faced by the weavers but limited to the municipality of Kabayan.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
10
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
This research was conducted at Kabayan, Benguet limited only to the barangay of
Poblacion, where there are still existing weavers.
The data gathering was conducted on December 2008.
Respondents of the Study
The respondents of the study were the owner of the Kabayan Weaving Arts and
Crafts and all the weavers in the study area. These weavers are those who are affiliated or
contract weaver of Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts (KWAC).
Data Gathering
The data needed was gathered with the use of Key Informant Interview (KII). The
key informant interview was employed with the owner, and also with the weavers in
Kabayan. A questionnaire was used as a guide during the interview. Secondary or desk
researches were also a great help in the study. The data gathered from the library also
verify some data needed.
Data Analysis
The data gathered were tabulated, analyzed, discussed and interpreted.
Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentage, mean, and ranking was used
primarily to describe the data. Qualitative discussion was employed since there was no
hypothesis that this research wants to prove.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
11
Figure 1. Location map of the study area
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
12
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Historical Development
Kabayan, Benguet is introduced as an ecotourism destination in the country, as it
is famous for its mummies and Mt. Pulag. It is also a right time for its weaving to be
known.
Before reaching its present status, the weaving operation had to overcome the
barriers along the way, more the pressures coming from the community. Now, its
accomplishments brought recognition to the municipality, as well as the province and to
the weaving world.
Culturally, Kabayan is not a weaving area only until 1970’s when it was
introduced. In 1973, formal training on weaving was conducted by Department of Trade
and Industries (DTI). This was through the organized women’s association. Trainings on
weaving paved the way for the local people to embrace weaving in their culture.
Maxencia Pili, Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts owner, recalled that during the 1973
DTI training, she was with the local government unit, thus she attended the training after
office hours. Despite of time constraints, her willingness to learn pushed her to develop
more her skills. She was first taught by her aunt, thus Pili started to operate the loom
weaving during her elementary grades.
Later on, she bought her own loom and started to produce woven products for
family’s use. In 1991, year after the earthquake, her husband traded woven products up
to Kilometer 21, of the Halsema Highway. It was this time when she first saw the
potential of woven products in the market.
13
Aside from her family doing weaving activities, the Kabayan Women Association
also are involved on the weaving industry in the area. The association was organized in
order to avail assistance from the government and non government agencies.
In 1994, after her operation, Pili went back to Kabayan and saw that looms given
to the association were not being used. With the passion in weaving, he requested
assistance to revive the association. Having no funds at that time, Pili personally provided
the members with threads to start again with their weaving activities.
With the fact that more problems arise in the association, DTI then suggested Pili
to register the weaving business on her own name. The Earthquake Rehabilitation Project
(ERP) likewise assisted her on the trade name and logo, now- the Kabayan Weaving Arts
and Crafts (KWAC) was born.
The Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts is a privately managed business in close
coordination with the Kabayan Women’s Association (KWA). Members of the Kabayan
Women’s Association were absorbed to work with Pili.
Now, the Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts is one tourist destination in
Poblacion, Kabayan, Benguet. As have mentioned earlier, business is personally managed
by Maxencia Pili who employs fifteen (15) weavers and seven (7) sewers.
Transcending from being a business entity, it helped the women to regain their
self-worth from their past experiences. The KWAC generates employment for the Out of
School Youth, single parents (widows and mother out of wedlock). For this, she was
given the Ramon Magsaysay Award by TESDA for such contribution in the area.
The Kabayan Women’s Development Association (KWDA) works with the
Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts. The association is responsible in requesting trainings
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
14
and seminars for the weaving operation. To accommodate the husbands of the members
and other people from the community, the KWDA was change into Kabayan Women and
Farmers Development Association (KWFDA). The association included the farmers in
the name because they also initiated the production of different Yacon products as a
source of income in the area. Yacon is a tuberous crop which was introduced in the
northern part of Philippines by Japanese. It is an organically grown crops which they
claimed a medicinal plant. The association was also the team behind the
commercialization of Lemon grass (balanoi) tea and lemon grass oil as another
alternative source of livelihood in the community.
Profile of the Respondents
Table one presents the profile of the respondents in this study. The respondents
were classified into two; the sewers and the weavers. All these respondents were
members of the Kabayan Women’s Association. Out of the 19 respondents, 4 are sewers
and 15 are weavers.
Age. The age of the respondents ranges from 17-56 years old. Fifty percent of the
sewers belong to the age bracket of 47-56 years old, and 25% are ranging from 37-46
years old or 27-36 years old. Forty-seven percent of the weavers belong to the age
bracket of 17-26 years old, followed by 33% with age ranging from 37-46 years old, and
the remaining 20% of the respondents belong to the age brackets 47-56 and 17-26 years
old. This implies that most of the women engaged in weaving are young adults.
Sex. The data shows that the sewers and weavers are all female (100%). This
shows that women are into the weaving industry more than men. This affirms what the
HomeNet says that women are into the weaving activities, thus it is a job for women. It
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
15
may also be attributed that because the weaving industry in the place make used of
indigenous materials thus, no complicated machines were used and weaving activity
could be done at home.
Civil status. Seventy-five percent of the sewers were married and 25% were
single. On the other hand, 60% of the weavers were married while 40% were single. This
shows that more married women are into weaving than single women. The result implies
that weaving activity is more attractive to married women especially those unemployed.
It is an additional source of income for the family. The single women are also involved
because the Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts employed the out of school youth. The
young and single employees composed the out of school youth.
Educational attainment. The table shows that 75% of the sewers had reached
college and 25% elementary education. Of the weavers, 66% reached high school, 27%
reached college and 7% elementary education. This implies that majority of the
respondents had formal education, though 32% only had reached only elementary school.
Monthly income. The table shows that all sewers have a monthly income out of
sewing ranges from Php 5,000 - 8,000. None of the sewers and weavers has an income
ranging from Php 9,000-16,000 and two of the weavers did not reveal/indicate their
income. Fifty-three percent of the respondents of the weavers have an income ranging
from Php1, 000 - 4,000 ranges. This implies that the sewers have a higher income than
the weavers. According to Fuellos (n.d) the average monthly salary of weavers from
small weaving firms is Php 3,000 with minimum and maximum salaries between Php 500
and Php 6,000.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
16
Year started to weave/sew. The table shows that seventy five percent of the
sewers started sewing in 1994 while 25% started in 2005. In weaving, 54% started from
year 2001-2008, 20% from year 1991-200 and 13% from year 1981-1990 or 1970-1980.
This implies that more people got interested to learn the business.
Average number of hours in a day involved in weaving activities. The table
shows that all the sewers (100%) used 6 to 15 hours of their time everyday for sewing
similar time as 60% of the weavers spend in weaving. Results show that the weavers and
sewers spend much time in this activity. The workers are even working beyond the
regular eight hours working time in government and private offices.
Average number of days in a week involved in sewing/weaving. All the sewers
(100%) spend five to seven days each week to sew while 54% of the weavers spend the
same days in weaving. 20% spend three to four days per week and 13% spend one to two
day per week. This implies that same time is involved in sewing and weaving.
Table 1. Profile of the respondents
PARTICULAR SEWERS
WEAVERS
F % F
%
Age
17-26 0 0
7
47
27-36 1 25
1
7
37-46 1 25
5
33
47-56 2 50
2
13
TOTAL 4
100
15
100
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
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Table 1 Continued…
PARTICULAR SEWERS
WEAVERS
F % F
%
Sex
Male 0 0
0
0
Female 4
100
15
100
TOTAL 4
100
15
100
Civil Status
Married 3
75
9
60
Single 1
25
6
40
TOTAL 4
100
15
100
Educational
Attainment
Elementary 1
25
1
7
High School
0
0
10
66
College
3
75
4
27
TOTAL 4
100
15
100
Monthly Income
Less 1000
0
0
1
7
1000-4000 0
0
8
53
5000-8000 4
100
3
20
9000-12000 0
0
0
0
13000-16000 0
0
0
0
17000-20000 0
0
1
7
Not Revealed
0
0
2
13
TOTAL 4
100
15
100
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
18
Table 1. Continued…
PARTICULAR SEWERS
WEAVERS
F % F
%
Year Started to Sew/
Weave
1970-1980 0
0
2
13
1981-1990 0
0
2
13
1991-2000 3
75
3
20
2001-2008 1
25
8
54
TOTAL 4
100
15
100
Average Number of
Days Involved in
Sewing/Weaving
1-5 0 0
4
27
6-10 2 50
6
40
11-15 2 50
3
20
Not Revealed
0
0
2
13
TOTAL 4
100
15
100
Average Days in a
Week Involved in
Sewing/Weaving
1-2 0 0
2
13
3-4 0 0
3
20
5-7 4 100 8
54
Not Revealed
0
0
2
13
TOTAL 4
100
15
100
Kinds of Woven Products and Their Wholesale Prices
Table 2 illustrates the kind of woven (novelty) products and their corresponding
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
19
present prices when out in the market. The prices are according to the products’ sizes
and are for wholesale prices.
Table 2. Woven products and their prices
WOVEN PRODUCTS
PRICE/ SIZE
Cell phone case pouch
35-50
Cell phone case with single zipper
50-60
Cell phone case with double zipper
70-80
Sling bag
150-250
Pouch bag short strap
150-250
Pouch bag long strap
175-350
Coin purse flat
30-Oct
Coin purse short cord
25-30
Shawl 200-300
Scarf 120-150
Chalico 600-750
Coats 3000-3500
Benguet costume
2000-2500
Body bag
75-100
Ladies bag
150-250
Shoulder bag
250-400
Back pack
300-600
Pencil case
30-50
Utility bag
100-250
USB purse
25-35
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
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Table 2. Continued…
WOVEN PRODUCTS
PRICE/ SIZE
Envelop bag with handle
250
Envelop bag without handle
200
Water bag
100-120
Umbrella case
100-120
Django bags with tussle
250-400
Django bags without tussle
250-350
Blazers 1800-2500
Blouses 500-600
Capes 150-200
Cultch bag
120-200
Table runner
200-250
Place mat
75-100
Napkins 75
Glass coaster
35-50
Men’s wallet
100-200
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
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Figure 2. Displayed products
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
22
Figure 3. Kinds of coin purses
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
23
Market Outlet of the Woven Products
Most of the woven products are sold in Tiongsan La Trinidad and in Center Mall
Baguio City. The firm also sells their produce to whole sellers and retailers, these traders
have their own stalls and usually buy in larger amount. They also supply native attires to
Nueva Viscaya; orders from overseas for gifts are also entertained that opened the door
for the international market.
Direct selling to walk-in costumers is also a usual way of the firm to market its
products. Most of the time, the KWAC is being invited to trade fairs, a good opportunity
for them to showcase and sell their products.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
24
Figure 4. Stall outlet at Baguio Center Mall
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
25
Kinds of Assistance Provided
Table 3 presents the kinds of assistance provided by the different agencies of the
government. These are:
Marketing. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assist in the marketing
aspect of Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts, like market matching. KWAC also attends
to the trade fairs- provincial, regional and national.
Training. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in cooperation with other
agencies such a Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education
and Skills development Authority (TESDA) and Department of Agriculture (DA)
provided trainings and seminars for the firm. The training was on product development,
leadership and book keeping. Skills and knowledge acquired are deemed vital in the
sustainability of the weaving operations.
Provision of equipment/ materials. Some of the weavers had already their own
looms, but for those who do not have the Department of Trade and Industry provided
those five (5) looms and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA) gave them three (3) sewing machines. Aside from these agencies, the
Earthquake Rehabilitation Program (ERP) also gave an important role because it is
responsible in creating the trade name and logo.
Advertisement. Radio stations in the locality like BOMBO and DZWT had
interviewed Ms. Pili about her business; further she was also invited to some schools as a
guest speaker which gave her opportunity to let know about the business.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
26
Table 3. Institutional supports provided by the government agencies
AGENCY ASSISTANCE
PROVIDED
DTI
Trainings, financial assistance, marketing,
provision of looms
DOLE Training
TESDA
Training, provision of sewing machines
DA Training
ERP
Trade name and logo
OTHERS
Advertisement, information services
Problems Encountered by the Business and Coping Mechanisms
Table 4 shows the challenges faced by the respondents. Along with these, the key
informant said that the main problem of the firm as noted is lack of capital. Capital is
needed by the firm to cover up larger production, to purchase new equipments and to
improve the working area. Other problem faced are the cost and availability of materials
especially thread, and the need of additional person to work, especially skilled worker.
The sewers’ and weavers’ main problems were: low labor and some health related
problems.
The coping mechanisms to address the problems are mentioned; financial
assistance from the government and non-government institutions and utilizing the prices
obtained from Trade Fairs to buy appropriate machines and materials. In the problem of
lack of work force, to send an interested person to go study master cutting/ tailoring with
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
27
a full scholarship sponsored by the firm, and to maintain piece contract strategy to
distinguish those who had a high-quality work.
Lastly, the weavers and sewers should use mask while working to avoid health
problems.
Table 4. Problems/challenges encountered and it’s coping mechanisms
PROBLEMS FREQUENCY
COPING
MECHANISMS
Health problems
-irritation due to dust
- Uses mask
of threads
6
- body pains
11
Lack of workforce
2
- To send someone to train for master
cutting/tailoring for free
- Maintain piece contract strategy
Low labor
2
Understand the situation of the business
Lack of materials (sago )
1
Adjust, just get appropriate work for
the sago’s size (sago, thread)
Lack
of
capital
1
get financial assistance from the
government and non-government
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
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SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study was conducted to present the evolution of the Kabayan weaving
industry; to describe the socio-demographic profile of the industry; to identify the kinds
of woven products; to identify the market outlets of the said products; to identify the
agencies assisting/supporting the weavers in Kabayan, and the form of assistance
provided; and to identify the problems being encountered and their coping mechanisms
for these problems.
A total of nineteen (19) respondents- four (4) sewers, and fifteen (15) weavers
were interviewed using questionnaire and interview guide. The study was conducted in
Poblacion, Kabayan, Benguet on December 2008.
The data gathered were tabulated and analyzed using frequency and percentage.
They were then discussed and interpreted according to the listed objectives of the study.
The Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts is the only existing weaving business in
Kabayan, Benguet known for its quality hand woven products. It is a privately owned
business that generates employment for the women in the community especially for the
out of school youths and single parents.
The respondents are all female. Majority were married, reached high school level
of education and young adults. Weaving activities are considered to be their full time and
main source of their income.
The woven products produced are mainly concentrated on novelty items. Native
clothes and coats are produced on order basis.
29
The major market outlets mentioned by the owner were: Tiongsan La Trinidad
and Baguio Center Mall. They also supply native attires in Nueva Viscaya and join trade
fairs.
The government agencies supporting the Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts are
DTI, DOLE, TESDA, DA, ERP and other organizations. The kinds of assistance
provided are: creating the trade name and logo, Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts,
trainings of the workers to develop the skills needed, assisting the business in terms of
financial, advertising and marketing, providing of looms and machines needed, and
helping in the information services.
The proprietress has mentioned problems of the business. The main problem is
lack of capital. Other problems are lack of workforce especially the skilled ones, and lack
of materials needed for the weaving activities. Sewers and weavers problems were: low
labor and some health related problems.
The coping mechanisms recommended by the respondents to address these
problems are to get financial assistance from the government and non-government groups
and to send someone to train for master cutting for free. In the part of the workers, they
are proposed to observe and self-study the process of weaving and to use mask while
working to avoid health problems.
Conclusion
Based on the results of the study, the following conclusions are drawn:
1.
The Kabayan Weaving Arts and Crafts introduced Kabayan to the weaving
industry. This is with the close coordination with Kabayan Women and Farmers
Development Association.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
30
2.
The respondents are all female. Majority of them were married, reached high
school level education, and young adults. Weaving activities are considered their full
time and main source of income.
3.
The products manufactured are concentrated mainly on novelty items, native
clothes and coats are only produced on order basis.
4.
The present status of the business is attributed to the full support of different
national agencies since its establishment. The skills required will sustain the operation for
more years to come.
5.
The main outlets of the products were Baguio Center Mall and Tiongsan La
Trinidad. Participating in trade fairs is also helpful.
6.
Capital is identified as the major problem. This is necessary to expand more its
production- market is not considered a main problem in its operation.
Recommendations
Based on the conclusions, the following recommendations were formulated:
1.
The Local Government Unit should strengthen the weaving industry through
assistance through promotion/market linkage, technical assistance to improve technology
and create more products and design and sourcing of funds.
2.
Research institutions working on weaving should provide the knowledge, skills
and other information necessary for the advancement of weaving, not just in KWAC but
in other weaving businesses as well.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
31
LITERATURE CITED
DOWN, J. 1994. Textile Technology to GCSE. Oxford: Oxford University Press. P.138.
DTI. 2007. Weaving the Tapestry for the Development of the Cordillera Weaving
Industry: A summary report.
DTI and CORDNET. 2007. Weaving-an “in-between” Culture: The Case of Baguio and
Benguet.
ETZEL, M.J, WALKER and W.J. STANTON. 2001. Marketing 12th ed. USA: McGraw
Hill Book Co. Pp.5- 6; 396-403;463-468.
GHOL and VILENSKY. 1971. Textile for Modern weaving. Sydney: Cheshire
Publishing.
P19.
HELD, S.E.1999. Weaving: a handbook of fiber art. USA: Capital City Press. Pp.382-
384.
HOMENET.2007. Weaving in Apugan. Retrieved August 03, 2008 from
http:www.homenetseasia.org/Philippines/products-Baguio.html.
HOMENET.2007. The Fashion Accessories Industry. Retrieved August 03, 2008 from
http://www.homenetseasia.org/philippines/products-Baguio.html.
LA HERMINIA.2007. La Herminia Pina Waving Industry. Retrieved August 03, 2008
from
http://www.Laherminiaweaving.com.ph/products.php.
LEABEAU, C.1994. Fabrics: the decorative arts of textiles. New York: Clarkson N.
Potter, Inc. P.16.
LEANO, I.W. 1985. The ibaloys of Takdian: Theirn Social, Economic and Religious
Life. Unpublished Dessertation. Philippine Women’s University. P.103.
MONTINOLA, L. 1991. Pina. Manila. AMON Foundation. Pp.11-12.
NGUSLAB, C. 2007. Symbolic meaning of figures in Bontoc Tapis. BS Thesis. Benguet
State University, La Trinidad, Benguet. P.5.
PAKIAS, J. 2008. Wine Preferences of Consumers in Bontoc, Mt. Province. BS Thesis.
Benguet State University, La Trinidad Benguet. P.103.
WINGATE, I.B. 1964. Textile Fabrics and Their Selection. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall,
Inc.P.119.
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
32
APPENDIX
Letter to the Respondent
Republic of the Philippines
Benguet State University
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS
AND AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Sir/Madam:
Greetings!
I am Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey, an Agribusiness student of Benguet State University
Majoring in Enterprise Management. I am Graduating student; however I need to
complete my thesis entitled Profile of the Loom weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet.
In cooperation with this, I am requesting for your assistance to complete my thesis
by giving the information needed in the study. Rest assured that all the data gathered will
be used only to serve the purpose of my study.
Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Respectfully yours,
JIMZON S. SAGPA-EY
Researcher
Noted:
Prof. JOVITA M. SIM
Thesis Adviser
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
33
APPENDIX B
Interview Questionnaire
Profile of the Loom weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet
1. Industry Profile
Name: ___________________
Age:
__________
Sex:
__________
Civil Status: ______________
Address: __________________
Educational attainment:
____
Elementary
____ High School
____ College Income
Number of years engaged in weaving: ______
Year Started to weave: ________
Number of family members engaged in weaving Activities: __________
Average number of hours in a day involved in weaving activities: _________
Average number of days in a week involved in sewing/weaving: _________
Monthly Income: ________
2. Where do you buy materials to be used?
3. What are the products you produced?
Kinds of
(please check)
Volume produced
Income derived
products
Native clothes
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
34
Blouses
Blankets
Purses
Sandals/slippers
Pants
Skirts
Table runners
Bags
Cell phone case
Baby dresses
Gowns
Wall decors
Bonnets
Adult dresses
Shawls
Pillow cases
Hats
Others: please
specify
4. Market Outlet/s
___ Baguio Hanger Market
___ Maharlika Alley
___
Baguio
Hilltop
___
Trade
fairs
___
Mines
View
___
on
site
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
35
___
Strawberry
farm
___
others
(specify)
5. Kinds of buyer/s
___ Retailers/ stall owners
___
local
___
As
ordered ___
walk-in
costumers
___
exports
___
others
(specify)
6. Institutional Support
Please
Check:
Supports
Provided
NGO (specify)
BSU
PTRI
DOT
DTI (Region/ Province)
SCU (specify)
BenguetNet
FIDA
Private company (specify)
TESDA (Region/ Province)
CASCADE
DA
DOLE
LGU (specify:C/P/MSWDO, P/MAO)
DSWD
Others: specify
** Financial assistance, provision of equipments/ materials, technical assistance, linkages/ networks,
trainings/ seminars, information services (IEC), advertising/ promotion, marketing
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
36
7. Problems/ constraints/challenges faced in the weaving production
a. _________________________________________________
b. _________________________________________________
c. _________________________________________________
8. Coping mechanisms/strategies employed to these problems
a. _________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________
c. __________________________________________________
Guide Questions for the owner:
1. When and how did you start the business?
Profile of the loom Weaving Industry in Kabayan, Benguet / Jimzon S. Sagpa-ey. 2009
Document Outline
- Profile of the loom Weaving Industry inKabayan, Benguet
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- ABSTRACT
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- Background of the Study
- Statement of the Problem
- Objectives of the Study
- Importance of the Study
- Scope and Delimitation
- REVIEW OF LITERATURE
- Indigenous Practices
- Selection of Weaves
- Dyeing
- Pricing
- Marketing Outlets/ Channels
- Problems
- METHODOLOGY
- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
- Historical Development
- Profile of the Respondents
- Kinds of Woven Products and Their Wholesale Prices
- Market Outlet of the Woven Products
- Kinds of Assistance Provided
- Problems Encountered by the Business and Coping Mechanisms
- SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
- Summary
- Conclusion
- Recommendations
- LITERATURE CITED
- APPENDIX