A pandan-weaving community in a remote town in Leon, Iloilo is ensured of an improved output and sustainability for more generations through the shared service facility (SSF) provided by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) .

The SSF, consisting of a solar dryer, a pressing machine, sewing machines, a riveting machine, and a stove, was launched by DTI-Iloilo last Monday.

In an interview Thursday, Susana Gadian, 63, president of the Baje Weavers Association (BWA) in Barangay Baje, recalled that she used bags made of buri palm leaves during her elementary years.

The buri bags, which were made by weavers in her community, were, however, rough in texture.

That was until they discovered the abundant pandan leaves in their community, which are smooth and easier to harvest.

“Pandan leaves are dried and stripped. After that, it goes through processes until they are woven into bags and mats,” she said.

But the preparation of pandan leaves for weaving took longer, she said, because whenever there was rain, they had to wait for the sun to dry the leaves.

“Now, with the solar dryer, pandan leaves are dried in three days, from the previous five days. We can work faster using the facilities. We can also come up with our desired design using sewing and riveting machines,” Gadian said.

With the SSF, she said they aim to increase their production of small bags to 1,000 a month from the previous 600, depending on the design.

Besides bags and mats, the community also produces boxes, and placemats, but they focus more on producing bags because of their market, which include business groups that resell their products, the town’s pasalubong (souvenir) center, arts galleries, offices for tokens, and even abroad.

Apart from the SSF, Gadian said that DTI also exposed them to various trainings — including product development to be competitive, marketing, and costing – and helped them in market matching.

She said the income they generated before was just enough to send their children to school and pay their bills.

“With the facilities, I look forward to a sustainable production, which means a steady and higher income,” Gadian said.

The unveiling of the SSF at the Baje Livelihood Center was led by DTI Provincial Director Ma. Dinda Tamayo, along with Supervising Trade–Industry Development Specialist Engr. Jonathan Tejida, Trade – Industry Development Specialist Shayne Jornadal, Trade –Industry Development Analyst Anelyn Apiag, and Leon Negosyo Center Business Counsellor Charie Joy Taganos.

In her message, Tamayo emphasized the vital role of the SSF in strengthening the capabilities of micro-enterprises and enhancing the productivity of community-based industries.

She also commended the Baje Weavers for their continued dedication despite logistical challenges such as difficult road conditions and limited access to transportation.

Baje is an hour’s ride from the town proper. (PNA)