Mother Weaves Magic Who would ever think that this used-to-be simple, lowly bayong could offer

effective solutions to the countrys economic and environmental problems, at the same time, make people preserve their cultural heritage? Plastic is outBayong is in! Transforming bayong to an up-to-the-minute and durable bag that will open more opportunities for people to boost their income; the Department of Trade and Industry launched Project Bayong in different areas in the Philippines including Region XI. Filipino ingenuity is again showcased through this very holistic project. Bayong, as we all know is adjudged as the poor mans container because of its domestic look. For many of us, the word bayong is always associated with trips to wet markets, but now its a two-fold avenue in boosting the economy and diminishing ecological imbalance. Nevertheless, the bayong must not be underestimated because in todays time, it goes with the trend as well as in the fashion industry. It walks with the limelight and it does not end there. Bayong simple as may it seem is made of indigenous materials, yet its simplicity never hinders its durability. Natural resources like pandan, buri, sabutan, romblon, abaca and the like abound in the Philippine countryside. The Philippines is not only recognized to be one of the countries, rich, not only with natural resources but as well as with culture. Weaving, particularly of the bayong is part of the cultural heritage. Filipinos are known as great weavers, not only of fancy wardrobes but also with these beautifully handcrafted bags. Native men and women from the Southeastern parts in Mindanao, plays an active role in this project. DTI tapped them to be forerunners of this venture. Each of them carefully weaves each buri leaf into a masterpiece. These bags can help alleviate poverty for its a job generating venture. For just one bayong 5 people can already induce income. This project supports microentrepeneurship. The production of the bayong entails low investment and light technology but it is labor intensive. It requires concerted efforts between the farmers and the weavers. DTI overlooks this livelihood project since they believe that with the abundance of raw materials and the patent skills of locals in rural areas, they can actually produce products which are in demand in local and international markets. Project Bayong is a project under the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment of the National Government. It concerns the countrys most vulnerable sectors such as the poor, returning refugees, workers in the export industry, and out of school youths. It is good to note that the some of the issues about education is also tapped here. Around 26 out-of-school youths graduated from the bayong-making program of the Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) Project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao according to a press release from the Philippine Information Agency. Among the beneficiaries was Ma. Vaniza Ellen Tuada, who sold her finished

bayong outside the Redemptorist Parish in Bajada and made P3,000 during the Christmas season. In Bohol, they produced 59 graduates from the program and each of them was given kits and tools necessary to create the bags and start their own businesses. This pet project of DTI started at Cavinti Laguna and Mauban Quezon. Some of the provinces even in Davao region started the project spearheaded by its respective DTI offices. Mr. Domingo Santos Cruz Jr., Project Bayong Provincial Coordinator in Davao Oriental quoted that, Expenditure for landfills may be diverted to social services if people will lessen the use of plastics and start using the bayong as the usual container of stuff. Other countries such as China and Taiwan already banned the use of plastic bags for it contributes to the use of environmental problems and probably the cause of the foul odors from the drainages that are clogging on waterways. DTI believes that through this project people play an active part in protecting our environment by supporting the advocacy and at the same time maximizing the use of our natural resources and local talents, and preserving our rich cultural heritage.