After a two-year pandemic pause, the Negros Trade Fair (NTF) returns for its 36th edition and will feature new countryside-based artisans – the “tikog” (reed grass) weavers of the now insurgent-free Sitio (hamlet) Madaja in Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Before it became a conflict-free area, Sitio Madaja was vulnerable to the influence of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

“They rejected the NPA and supported the government. We want them to become a benchmark, a model sitio that will be developed through the engagement,” Capt. Eduardo Rarugal Jr., Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) civil-military operations officer, said in an interview on Saturday.

Through the engagement of the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), the NTF organizer, with the Provincial Peace and Order Council, residents were empowered in crafting more quality products, which they can sell at better prices.

Weaving traditional patterns unique to Madaja, they make sleeping mats, table runners, coin purses, hats, and fans on display at the ANP Hub here, and will soon be showcased at the Negros Trade Fair in the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City from Sept. 20 to 25.

Sybel Nobleza, ANP external affairs manager, said from only PHP15,000 last month, orders for the Madaja “tikog” woven products have increased by 100 percent to more than PHP30,000.

“Their products will be highlighted during the Negros Trade Fair. I am more than happy for the skills and creativity shown by the ‘tikog’ weavers,” she added.

Since the engagement started two months ago, the weavers have earned about PHP45,000 in gross sales at the ANP Hub alone.

Located in a mountainous area some 15 kilometers from the city proper, and where among the locals are indigenous people (IP), Sitio Madaja was an ideal site for the mass organization activities of the communist-terrorist group.

Since residents of Sitio Madaja just rely on farming and charcoal-making as their main source of livelihood, “tikod” weaving provides them an additional source of income.

In an interview with the Provincial Capitol’s Radyo Negrense, Madaja IP residents Wilme Garlet and Reynaldo Mordinio said they are grateful for the opportunities to earn more through “tikod” weaving.

Garlet said more residents have become interested in weaving since they can now sell their products at better prices and they also get assistance from 94IB troops in transporting the items.

Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94IB chief, said they invited the ANP to visit Sitio Madaja, which paved the way for the engagement that brought better opportunities for the “tikod” weavers. (PNA)