Lanao Norte weavers urged to grow PH textile industry

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo has urged community weavers in their province to become major producers of Meranaw cultural textiles in the country.

The lady governor also called on members of women livelihood organizations in the province to become more productive in creating traditional fabrics.

“There are many (suppliers) who look for high-quality Meranaw fabrics around the country and I hope that these beneficiaries will become one of the major manufacturers,” she said.

The Department of Trade and Industry in Northern Mindanao (DTI-10) is continuously assisting the weavers by providing them equipments like sewing machines to produce quality Meranaw wearables and handicrafts.

The DTI, under its Shared Service Facility (SSF), recently provided 10 sewing machines, two cloth cutting machines, and three sequencing and cutting tables worth P452,000 to the Pangutaman Women’s Association and the Islahiyyah Women’s Association in Maigo and Poona Piagapo towns, respectively.

Other beneficiaries of assistance were the Verg’s Curtain Shop in Lala town and the Atlas Farm School in Tubod. DTI Provincial Director Jane Marie Tabucan said that all SSF is under a “shared system” and is not given to one micro, small, or medium enterprise only.

The program can be availed by cooperatives, associations, local government units, and academic institutions, she explained. (PNA)