Women in the Kabankalan district of Negros Occidental have been given the opportunity to work their way towards a better life through an new initiative called the Abaca Weaving Project. The project particularly supports women in remote communities by providing opportunities for employment whilst strengthening their cultural knowledge, creativity and practical skills.
The Negros Nine Human Development Foundation, of which Fr Brian Gore is a founding member, created the project in collaboration with local governments to enhance productivity and livelihoods in a sustainable and culturally-rich way. There are now five fulltime weavers.
The project also contributes economic gain to the local community by selling finely-crafted abaca weaving products locally and exporting them overseas. Brian Gore said. “Our products of hand woven scarves and shawls are being exported to Australia. Also, abaca is being planted in order to have a constant supply for future products,” he added. http://bit.ly/1QhkaQf
By Hannah Cifuentes