Indelible Shades of Hope

 

The upgrading of their technology brought radical yet beneficial modifications of the traditional dyeing practices of Banaue. It also inspired PTRI to pursue further its R&D in natural dyes. PTRI’s experience and the lessons it has learned from its encounter with Manang Mary during the KFF days and its recent intervention with the Federation, guide its other natural dye commercialization efforts in other parts of the country and in the polishing of its technology transfer mechanism.

 

It is true that the ultimate measure of the natural dye technology of PTRI should be the improved quality of life of the dyers and weavers. However, intermediate to it is the revival of their interest in what seems to be a declining homegrown industry that it would become an indelible component–a great market edge of the commercialized and modern-day Ifugao woven products.

 

The interest was reawakened, and the skills were upgraded–these are just but the initial accomplishments of PTRI to the dyers and weavers in Amganad.

Hopefully when I return, the colossal terraces would cease to charm me more than the fulfilled and empowered women of Banaue and Manang Mary having hopefully received more orders that will usher in profit as much as that which she gets from her woodcarvings. With PTRI enhancing the skills of the dyers and catalyzing the continuation of this renaissance to revive and commercialize this endangered craft, their chances of living better lives glow with bright shades of hope.