After months of delay due to last year’s typhoon, the Abaca Weaving Training in Panganiban, Catanduanes, finally resumed in February 2026, providing local abaca weavers with valuable skills and knowledge to enhance their craft and livelihoods.
GAP, Cultivation, Stripping, and Fiber Grading Training
On February 4–5, participants attended a productive training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), cultivation, stripping, and fiber grading conducted by PHILFIDA.
Alvin Sarmiento, Local Project Manager, shared, “During the PHILFIDA training, we learned how to grow abaca plants from land preparation, proper selection of planting materials, optimal planting distances, and companion crops to maximize land use. We also learned to identify abaca diseases, assess fiber quality, and perform manual and mechanical stripping for harvesting.”
Participant Judyann Valenzuela emphasized the importance of the training: “Dahil dito, maraming haka-haka ang naitama patungkol sa mga sakit ng abaca. Nahasa rin ang aming kaalaman sa kung paano mas mapabuti ang aming sakahan.”
Tinagak Knotting Training
From February 10–13, participants continued with the Tinagak Knotting Training under Ms. Elsie Cabrera, a licensed PHILFIDA processor and accredited TESDA trainer.
Ms. Cabrera remarked, “Madali silang matuto, kaya marami rin ang kanilang nagawa. Nakakatuwa ang kanilang dedikasyon sa pagtuto, lalo na na ginagawa nila ito para sa kanilang komunidad.”
Alvin Sarmiento reflected, “Tinagak Knotting tested our patience and required careful quality checks to ensure strong fiber and high-quality textiles.”
Judyann Valenzuela shared, “Ang training na ito ay hakbang upang magkaroon kami ng kaunting kita at matulungan ang aming pamilya. Bago matulog, mayroon pa ding inaasahang kita. Kailangan lang pagtiyagaan at mahabang pasensiya. Mahalaga na mayroon kaming maidudugtong na kabuhayan kahit paunti-unti, at ito rin ay paraan upang matulungan ang iba sa aming komunidad na nais matuto at kumita.”
Shirley Tutanes, another participant, added “Tinagak… narefresh ako dito. Ang dating gawain noong nabubuhay pa ang aking lola ay muling naibalik sa proseso ng paghahabi. Kahit mahirap, bawat hibla ay nagdudulot ng bagong kaalaman at kasanayan.”
Guided Weaving Practice & Production Workshop
From February 16–20, the weavers attended a Guided Weaving Practice and Production Workshop with Ms. Gay Zialcita, researcher, author, and expert on Philippine textile traditions, co-author of Weaving Ways: Filipino Style and Techniques.
Participant Cindy Alpon said, “Sa Weaving Techniques natutunan namin ang iba't ibang uri ng disensyo sa paghabi. Napakagandang oportunidad ito upang maiapply sa aming pang-araw-araw na gawain hanggang sa pagtanda.”
Judyann Valenzuela shared, “Lahat ng pagod ay nawawala sa training na ito. Bawat design, may ngiti. Bawat pagod, may tawa. Lalo na kung may instructor at kasamahang palabiro na handang ayusin ang pagkakamali at magpatuloy sa pagtuturo. Dahil dito, kami ay naging mas malikhain gamit ang mga available na raw materials.”
Shirley Tutanes added, “Dito nasubok ang aming kaalaman sa paghahabi. Kahit walang katiyakan sa araw-araw, sinikap naming dumalo at matuto. Ang mga natutunan ay hindi na mawawala sa amin. Maraming salamat sa HABI, sa aming classmates, at sa mga nagtataguyod ng asosasyon.”
For Maria Gracia Soledad shared, “Mula simple hanggang advanced weaving, bawat natutunan sa training ay isang kayamanang maibabahagi namin sa aming komunidad.”
Alvin Sarmiento concluded, “Ma’am Gay emphasized the importance of practicing every weaving detail by heart. From balancing the loom, checking thread tension, cleaning the machine, to ensuring creativity and product quality in every piece.”
Next Steps
Participants will soon undergo a Dyeing Workshop with Carlo Eliserio, natural dye practitioner and Chairman of the Aklan Piña Artisans Association, followed by a Social Enterprise Training.
HABI extends its heartfelt thanks to TELUS for supporting the project’s training programs, helping empower weavers and rebuild livelihoods.
