Shared facility to boost Argao’s weaving sector

Participants to the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo watch weavers at work in Argao in this CDN file photo. (CDN FILE PHOTO)

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will launch tomorrow a shared service facility for handloom weaving at the Cebu Technological University (CTU) Argao campus in southern Cebu.

The facility, which is estimated to cost P825,000, is equipped with machines that can produce polyhem, kiriw and handwoven fabrics using telex polyester and abaca.

Based on the project proposal, the facility is expected to boost the handloom weaving industry in Argao.

Production of polyhem and kiriw is seen to increase four to five times to 48,000 to 60,000 a year while sales are expected to increase by 10 percent to P357,000 per month for polyhem and P330,000 per month for kiriw.

DTI established the facility in Argao to revive its weaving industry.

Only a few weavers are left in this southern Cebu town, which used to have a thriving weaving industry.

“If left unsupported, it will mean the loss not only of a cultural heritage but also of an economic opportunity,” the proposal stated.

Under the proposal, CTU-Argao will extend technical and supervisory knowledge and skills to the local handloom weaving industry in order to preserve, enhance, promote and make weaving a profitable endeavor.

The facility aims to increase by four to five times the production of ready markets for the products include Catalina Embroidery, Alazas Atelier, and other establishments that produce hats and decors as well as tourists.

The SSF project of the DTI aims to improve the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing them with machinery, equipment, tools, systems, skills and knowledge under a shared system.

The facility is expected to enable beneficiaries to increase their productivity and participate in the global supply chain.