ANTIQUE – Loom weaving, once a female-dominated industry in Antique, is now attracting the interest of men as a source of livelihood.
Bagtason Loomweavers Association (BLWA) chairman Mario Manzano said more men are taking interest because of the stable income they could get.
“Previously, these men were engaged in farming and in building construction. They shifted to loom weaving because of the steady income from it. They also want to help preserve local culture,” he said in an interview on Monday.
A three-meter woven cloth that can be finished in three days can earn a weaver P1,000. The income could be higher depending on how fast they can finish their work and how intricate the designs are.
Manzano said the male loom weavers take pride in seeing their products such as patadyong, barong, bags, hats, wallets, and placemat.
“Since we have been provided with a showroom at the old capitol, our products have become more accessible to those who would like to buy,” Manzano said.
He said their products bear the fresh flower design, which represents the unity and purity of the old women in Barangay Bagtason who started the loom weaving industry in their barangay during the pre-Hispanic times. (PNA)/PN
