DOST awards facilities to improve productivity of handicraft producers in Northern Samar

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January 10, 2012

CATARMAN, Northern Samar  –  The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office 8 turned over on January 10, common service facilities that are envisioned to improve the productivity of handicraft producers in three selected communities in Northern Samar.

DOST-8 Regional Director Edgardo Esperancilla and Governor Paul Daza presided over the awarding of the common service facilities that include 3 units of cylinder bed sewing machines and 3 units of Flat bed sewing machines which will be used by the members of the Northern Samar Handicraft Producers Association particularly in Las Navas, Allen and San Antonio towns. They were joined by Ms. Lucia Dauz, DOST 8 GIA coordinator, Engr. Veronica A. Laguitan, PSCT Catarman and Ms. Marissa Azanza of PLDO.

The occasion was also highlighted by the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement by Hon. Paul Daza, Mayor Rudy Baguioso of San Antonio, Mayor Rod Laurean D. Suan of Allen and Mayor  Minda Tan of Las Navas.

Director Esperancilla said that the establishment of common service facilities for handicraft production in selected communities of Northern Samar was proposed by the Provincial Livelihood Development Office of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar with the members of the Northern Samar Handicraft Producers Association as the target beneficiaries.

The beneficiaries hope to improve their productivity through the acquisition of tools and equipment. Eventually, this will generate additional employment and livelihood opportunities.

In order to sustain the project, the Northern Samar Provincial Government opted to collaborate with DOST-Provincial Science and Technology Center for technical and funding support through the DOST-8 Grant in Aid Program. The local government units as project co-implementer will provide the funding counterpart for the improvement of space and building of the production centers.

San Antonio Mayor Rodolfo Baguioso committed the vacated Municipal Agriculture Office as the production center for San Antonio Weavers Association.

Allen Mayor Rod Laurean Suan committed the Barangay Cabacungan Multi-purpose Hall as Barangay Cabacungan Weavers Association Production Center.

Las Navas Mayor Arlito Tan in coordination with the DENR-PENRO Northern Samar will provide the DENR defunct building at Barangay Bukid, Las Navas, as Barangay Bukid Weavers Association Production Center.

The Province of Northern Samar has an abundant supply of raw materials for handicraft production such as sea grass, tikog, buri, takay, romblon, pandan and other indigenous materials which are left untapped due to lack of appropriate knowledge and skills of weavers on various weaving styles, color blends, latest fashion, trends and designs on handicraft particularly handbag making.