River Rehabilitation Programs & Social Enterprises in Las Piñas City: The Handloom Blanket Weavi

Photo Source: http://www.villarsipag.org/page?id=12&menu=4

Handloom? What’s that you may ask. First, let us divide this word into two, the “hand” and the “loom”. We all know what “hand” means but what does “loom” mean? A loom, as defined by Oxford Dictionary is an apparatus for making fabric by weaving yarn or thread. To be short, a handloom is any variation of looms or weaving devices operated wholly or partly by hand or foot power.

Villar SIPAG, staying true to its advocacy to bring livelihood and lift people out of poverty has created a local weaving industry. Villar SIPAG provides free training for people interested in working in the handloom enterprise. Currently, about forty women are employed in the said enterprise. According to their official website, seventy-five percent of the trainees dropped out within the first three months of training. After the training is complete, each worker is able to make three blankets a day, a very good example of handicraft work of our local Las Pineros. According to Villar SIPAG, “the Las Piñas Handloom Weaving Center was now ready to supply the office of Senator Villar with blankets priced competitively with the China-made mats. Producing three blankets a day meant that each weaver could earn up to P4,300.00 a month.”

Today, there are currently seventeen looms distributed in five barangays, with a production output of 800 blankets a month or a total of 10,000 blankets a year. You know what is more good news? These blankets are actually sent to typhoon victims and disaster victims all around the Philippines.

If you have time, feel free to visit the handloom blanket weaving enterprise here in Las Pinas City! For more information, please contact Villar SIPAG through their contact information here: Tel. No. (632) 551-1871 Email: villar_sipag@yahoo.com.ph