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The Integrated Area Development Program (RAFI-IAD), and the Culture & Heritage Unit of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI-CHU) have joined forces to inventory existing native handicrafts found in the municipalities of Cebu’s seventh congressional district.

These products will be developed as souvenirs that can be sold during the district’s upcoming circuit tour packages and displayed for sale at Casa Gorordo Museum.

Last September 25, project officers from RAFI-CHU and RAFI-IAD, along with the municipality’s employees and officials of Barangay Compostela, explored the possibility of developing intricately woven pandan bags and accessories from Alegria. Inputs from Jasper Colico, CHU’s officer for product development and design, will be provided to further improve the product’s aesthetics and make it more marketable to visitors.

The team also visited the home of one of the weavers to observe the process of production — from the harvesting and processing of the pandan leaves to the weaving of the final product. While only a few households in Barangay Compostela currently produce the bags, the team will work with the weavers to teach additional members of the people’s organization how to weave so larger bulk orders can be accommodated.

This initiative hopes to provide additional livelihood to communities as well as showcase locally made traditional crafts.

The Integrated Area Development Program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI-IAD) provides Local Government Units (LGUs) with technical assistance towards socioeconomic development.