Bayong production now part of program to curb crisis effects

MANILA, Philippines - Bayong, a traditional Filipino bag made of indigenous materials, is now part of a government livelihood program intended to curb effects of the global crisis. Once reinvented, the bayong – made from pandan, buri, sabutan, romblon and abaca – will be sold abroad, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said. Its image will also be enhanced so that it will be used by people from the upper social classes. If these plans take off, bayong makers are expected to earn some P520 million a year, Trade Secretary Peter B. Favila said, citing DTI assumptions. “If every family above the poverty threshold buys a bayong at P100 per year, the domestic demand would reach P1.3 billion annually," he said, adding that an estimated 40 percent will go to the country’s 16,000 bayong makers. “Imagine how the estimated amounts double if each family buys two bayongs, one for the wet market and another for dry goods," Favila said. “Even more astounding possibilities may ensue should the bayong be turned into fashionable totes for use by fashionistas here and abroad." Favila also announced that the Bayong Development Project will soon receive its share of funds and resources from the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (Cleep). Weaving centers have already been established in the provinces of Laguna and Quezon after the project was pilot-tested in July last year. For its part, the trade department’s regional operations and development group and its affiliates are currently introducing dyeing processes to experienced weavers. This will result in better colored bags which will hold fast to natural materials. “Since bayong weaving is labor intensive, expanding demand for the product is seen to unleash its potential for massive employment. As a result, the domestic market shall be protected from the influx of imported fabric bags from China," Favila said. - GMANews.TV