CORDITEX preserves highland weaving tradition

March 2, 2020 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY- Cordillera weaving is a national heritage; however, master weavers are fast dwindling in numbers through time.
To sustain this cultural tradition, a Corditex project was held recently at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Baguio. Weaving enthusiasts and several students attended the two-day weaving “workshop” which was directed to revived the interests in the weaving community.
Analyn Salvador-Amores, the project leader said, the activity aims to preserve traditional textiles and encourages an in-depth understanding of the old woven fabrics in the Cordilleras and in the Philippines as a whole.
Also, it provide added dimensions and value to Cordillera textiles thus lending itself to the weaving industry that is deserve, develop and rekindle interest on the craft of weaving among Cordillera youth.
Thus, Corditex is aggressively documenting this cultural practices and intervene through the revival of traditional loom weaving using new technology.
“Nakita namin na matatanda na yung mga master weavers at kailangan din mailipat yung knowledge ng ibat-bang paraan ng
weaving,mula sa konsepto hanggang paggawa,” Salvador- Amores said.
“Itong mga skills na mga ito ay nawawala na dahil ito ay sinauna pa. May mga “ ready to wear clothes sa pagdating ng
mga commercial treats.”Patricia Lubid, a participant said: “Sobrang cathartic niya, lalo na sa creative field meron kasi akong kasabihan na its good steady paying job pero iba pa rin when you feed your soul with art.”
“Your hand supposed to feed your mouth that’s your steady paying job while your other hand feed your soul, so it has to be balance”.
Leaha Valle, another participant said: “It feels really…really good, it brings out a sense of appreciation yung mga woven products na nakikita ko.When you buy ready made, you do not know the effort, time and creativity spend.”
Organizers said, the project which will expand to different areas and institutions will also provide a comprehensive and accurate anthropological and technical information about the Cordillera weaving tradition.

Shyrel Ann Dawi/ UB Intern