Bukidnon - Members of the Higaonon Indigenous Peoples in Bukidnon have benefited from enhanced weaving techniques thanks to the Department of Science and Technology Northern Mindanao's Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development project.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Damugu Weavers Association, located in Talakag, received an industrial high-speed sewing machine and training on synthetic dyeing from the Philippine Textile Research Institute.
The support, part of DOST-10's efforts to encourage grassroots innovation, aims to increase the group's production by 300 percent. Fuertes, who also serves as the region's Grind coordinator, noted that the improved weaving processes are expected to yield products with lasting and vibrant colors, potentially leading to a nine percent price increase.
Irene Mae Sinhayan, president of the Damugu Weavers Association, expressed gratitude for the government's support, noting that it was the first grant project received by the organization in five years. Sinhayan, who founded the association in 2018, observed a decline in weaving within her community before the intervention. She hopes the project will attract more weavers to preserve and continue their cultural heritage.