Flourishing Trade of Natural Dyes in Abra

The strong support of the local government unit headed by Governor Vicente Valera and his wife, Bangued Mayor Ma. Zita Claustro-Valera, to increase awareness and marketing of the provincial natural products was admirably experienced by the people of Abra. Weavers, dyers, and sewers brought their naturally dyed products to the “Partuat ti Abra” Trade Center showroom in the capital town of Bangued. These were sold to tourists and entrepreneurs. The officials and staff of the LGU patronized their authentic and exquisite natural dyed tiniri fabrics by wearing them as their office uniforms and the locals for special occasions.

In 1998, 44 people in the area were employed by the cooperative. This increased to 75 the following year. With the transfer of the upgraded natural dye technology the dyers and weavers were able to produce and sell not only dyed materials and products but also plant dye parts such as barks, roots, leaves, and twigs. The cooperative was also able to trade freshly prepared liquid crude extract ready for use. They produced 72,000 kilograms of plant dye parts and 14,400 gallons of liquid crude extract valued at P2,520,000 and P2,592,000, respectively.

Mang Luis was grateful to the team, saying, “Our children no longer have to go abroad to seek a living. You have made us realize that our wealth is right here.”  He proudly showed a swatch book of his dye recipes. With subdued pride in his heart and unusual sprint to his gait, he took the trainers through the village homes, once humble shanties, now houses built with cement floors and hollow block walls. The transformation was slow but nevertheless obvious.