Staff reporter
PAOAY, Ilocos Norte—The next
time you buy your ‘Abel Iloko’ [handwoven cloth] product, chances are these may
have become more intricate and stylish that goes with modern style.
Leading the way in reinventing
the modern fashionista style of unique abel products in Paoay town are some 10
highly-skilled women from the Nagbacalan Loomweavers Multipurpose Cooperative
(NLMC) who were taught new designs courtesy of the state-run Mariano Marcos
State University.
In partnership with the
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and its implementer,
the Research Triangle Institute, MMSU professor Ciriaco Ragual said the new
patterns and designs transferred to the Paoay loom-weavers were produced by employing
mathematical procedures.
The new designs and patterns
were showcased at the University Guest House in Batac City on August 10.
Under a memorandum of
agreement signed between MMSU representatives and the NLMC, both parties agreed
to come up with modern loom-weaving designs meant to improve the textile
heritage of Ilocos Norte and make it more competitive in the global market.
For her part, Dr. Prima Fe
Franco, MMSU officer-in-charge said, “This is a big step towards improving the
quality of local products that are already part of the Ilocano tradition and
identity.”
To date, the College of
Industrial Technology based in Paoay campus is equip with several weaving looms
where interested groups may conduct research to further improve the designs.
According to Ms. Franco, the
university facilitates the procurement of other equipment, supplies and
materials including the maintenance cost needed by loom-weaving facilities.
The NLMPC also assists the
university in recruiting trainees who will fine tune their skills to produce
quality abel products aside from serving as resource persons in future
loom-weavers training programs to transfer said technology to others.
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