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Official Publication of the Philippine Information Agency Bicol Regional Office, in cooperation with the RIAC-REDIRAS - RDC Bicol



Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Sorsogon’s MSMEs and weavers trained on Slippers Making

SORSOGON CITY, June 24 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Sorsogon has conducted a two-day skills training on abaca raw materials conversion into bedroom slippers, another product which will help augment the livelihood of the local folks living in abaca-rich producing communities of Sorsogon.

Abaca plant (scientific name: Musa textilis) is one of the most popular plants in the Philippines. Its by-products can be seen anywhere and is sold at many markets in the country like Sorsogon. Abaca is considered the strongest among natural fibers. Its strength, fitness, and versatility make it a preferred choice in making rope, bags, hats, slippers, and even clothes.

The training was conducted at Barangay San Pedro, Irosin, Sorsogon and attended by 20 Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) and weavers coming from different barangays of Irosin and the neighboring towns of Bulusan.

Trade and Industry Development Specialist Glenda N. Goingo said abaca slippers are among the most promising products in the province.

“There is just a need for our local weavers to be trained in order to get the right technical know-how,” Goingo said. “What is good about venturing on abaca products is because aside from it is native to us here in Sorsogon, it is also environmentally friendly.”

She also said that they wanted to maximize the utilization of raw materials in the area especially abaca, and develop new and viable products so as to create more employment in the locality and at the same time increase the sales of the MSMEs and augment income of those involved in the trade.

“We also would like to intensify advocacy and promotion on utilizing native products in support to the environment preservation program of the government,” she said.

Abaca slippers are made from dried abaca plants and leaves. These slippers can be produced either robustly or lightly but comfortable to wear. Weavers' nifty fingers create a fine, tight weave, giving the slippers their durability.

Tapped as trainer was Ms. Nona F. Nicerio, Owner/Manager of the “The Rains Handicraft” of Camalig, Albay assisted by her two workers. Ms. Nicerio is the President of Camalig Slippers Association.

Said training was implemented by DTI Sorsogon Provincial Office in coordination with St. Ann’s Service Cooperative (SAFSCO) based in Irosin, a grassroot cooperative, whose members are mostly farmers and handicraft weavers. (MAL/BAR-PIA5/Sorsogon)

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