Ilocos Norte launches ‘House of Inabel’ to strengthen local textile industry

PINILI, Ilocos Norte—To further strengthen the Ilocano weaving tradition called “pinagabel”, locals here established the ‘House of Inabel’ by Magdalena Gamayo on December 26, 2016.

A Spanish-style brick house had been renovated to provide a space for ‘abel’ weavers and their products, including Gamayo's nationally-acclaimed inabel, a hand-woven textile done on traditional wooden looms using unique and diverse weaving techniques.

Magdalena Gamayo, 93 years old, is recognized by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts in 2012 as a national living treasure because of her excellent skills in textile weaving.

According to Dr. Joven Cuanang, one of the founders of the House of Inabel, he said it was launched to engage people, especially young individuals, to learn the tradition of Ilocano weaving and to ensure sustainability of the inabel industry.

As an active supporter of the industry, Mr. Cuanang encourages schools, organizations, private sectors and local government units to utilize inabel products as uniforms and primary source of clothing, since inabel is known for its good designs and durability.

“The aim of this project is to create products which are organic, ecologically-sensitive, and handcrafted by people,” Mr. Cuanang said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Gamayo thanked Mr. Cuanang for taking the initiative to have a permanent establishment wherein their products can be displayed.

Ms. Gamayo, who started weaving when she was 16, is still active in abel-making and is currently teaching at least 20 native weavers including a 13-year-old girl named Arabela Gampong.

The provincial government has expressed its support to the endeavor as it is a way to boost the tourism industry and livelihood of the locals.

Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos earlier pledged to create more public spaces where Ilocanos can exercise their creativity while upholding their own culture and heritage. (PNA)

Comments

Free dormitories eyed for Nueva Era students in LC, Batac

Nueva Era mayor Aldrin Garvida By Dominic B. dela Cruz ( Staff Reporter) Nueva Era , Ilocos Norte—The municipal government here, headed by Nueva Era mayor Aldrin Garvida is planning to establish dormitories in the cities of Laoag and Batac that will exclusively cater to college students from the said cities. “Sapay la kuma ta maituloyen iti mabiit tay ar-arapaapen tayo ken iti munisipyo a maipatakderan kuma dagiti annak tayo a college students nga agbasbasa idiay siyudad iti Batac ken Laoag iti libre a dormitoryo a bukod da ngem inggana nga awan pay ket an-anusan mi paylaeng nga ibaklay kenni apo bise mayor iti pagbayad da iti kasera aggapu iti bukod mi a suweldo malaksid dagitay it-ited iti munisipyo ken iti barangay nga stipend da kada semester, ” Garvida said. Garvida added that the proposed establishment of dormitories would be a big help to the students’ parents as this would shoulder the expenses of their children for rent and likewise they would feel more secured

Empanada festival: A celebration of good taste and good life

By Dominic B. dela Cruz & Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporters BATAC CITY—If there is one thing Batac is truly proud of, it would be its famous empanada-making business that has nurtured its people over the years. Embracing a century-old culture and culinary tradition, Batac’s empanada claims to be the best and tastiest in the country with its distinctive Ilokano taste courtesy of its local ingredients: fresh grated papaya, mongo, chopped longganisa, and egg. The crispy orange wrapper and is made of rice flour that is deep-fried. The celebration of this city’s famous traditional fast food attracting locals and tourists elsewhere comes with the City Charter Day of Batac every 23 rd of June. Every year, the City Government of Batac led by Mayor Jeffrey Jubal Nalupta commemorate the city’s charter day celebration to further promote its famous One-Town, One Product, the Batac empanada. Empanada City The Batac empanada festival has already become an annua

P29 per kilo rice sold to vulnerable groups in Ilocos region

BBM RICE. Residents buy rice for only PHP29 per kilo at the NIA compound in San Nicolas town, Ilocos Norte province on Sept. 13, 2024. The activity was under a nationwide pilot program of the government to sell quality and affordable rice initially to the vulnerable sectors. (Lei Adriano) San Nicolas , Ilocos Norte —Senior citizens, persons with disability, and solo parents availed of cheap rice sold at PHP29 per kilogram during the grand launching of the Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka (BBM) Rice held at the National Irrigation Administration compound in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte province on Sept. 13, 2024. “ Maraming salamat Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa inyong pagmamahal sa Region 1 lalong-lalo na sa bayan namin sa San Nicolas,” said Violeta Pasion, a resident Brgy. 18 Bingao in this town. The low-priced grains were sourced from the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) contract farming with irrigators' association members in the province. Along with Pasion, Epi

The Ilocos Times

Search This Blog