Handmade products created by former rebels and residents of conflict-cleared areas in Negros Occidental were exhibited during the inaugural Balik Salig Awards presented by the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) and the provincial government of Negros Occidental.<\/p>\n
The competition, which featured weavers and woodworkers from five associations, was part of the four-day event highlighting Negrense-made products held at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central until Thursday night.<\/p>\n
\u201cBalik Salig\u201d means to bring back the trust in Hiligaynon.<\/p>\n
ANP external affairs manager Sybel Nobleza said through the Balik Salig Awards, not only the products are being promoted but also the talents and skills of the artisans from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity for them to showcase their cultural heritage through designs and patterns that might open windows to more clients and buyers, and contribute to economic growth and sustainability,\u201d Nobleza said in an interview on Friday.<\/p>\n
Participants were the Camingawan Diversified Workers Association (CADIWA) from Barangay Camingawan, Kabankalan City and Madaha Hand Weavers Association (MAHAWA) from Sitio Madaha, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City assisted by the Philippine Army\u2019s 94th Infantry Battalion; Sitio Maatop Community from Barangay Sangke, Hinobaan town, 15th Infantry Battalion; Barangay Riverside Upland Famers Association (BRUFA) from Barangay Riverside, Isabela town, 62nd Infantry Battalion; and Kapatiran Community from Barangay Pinowayan, Don Salvador Benedicto town, 79th Infantry Battalion.<\/p>\n
Using locally available and sustainable materials, the participants were encouraged to create products that reflect their communities\u2019 unique identity, cultural heritage, and resources.<\/p>\n
Awarded in the category of Best in Bag was the crocheted tikog bag of the municipality of Hinoba-an; Best in Mat Weaving \u2013 MAHAWA tikog table placemat; Best in Home Furnishing \u2013 CADIWA wooden lechon tray by Rogelio Suetas; Best in Hamper \u2013 Pinoyawan colored hamper uway basket; Best in Novelty Souvenir \u2013 Cadiwa nito hats by Ronie De La Cruz; and Best in Basket \u2013 BRUFA banban boat basket by Agripino Cabodillo.<\/p>\n
The special award for Best in Craftmanship went to CADIWA while BRUFA was recognized for the Most Number of Entries.<\/p>\n
De La Cruz, Cabodillo, and Ernie Mordenio of MAHAWA were awarded the Most Dedicated members.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m thankful to the ANP, the Army, and province for helping us bring our products to more buyers. I find joy in what I do and in being able to join the trade fairs,\u201d the 77-year-old Cabodillo, a former member of the New People\u2019s Army (NPA), said in the vernacular.<\/p>\n
De La Cruz, 26, who also joined the armed struggle in his younger years, is now a member of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (Cafgu), but can also be considered a master weaver of nito hats.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been weaving items made of nito since I was a child. My mother was really good in weaving using different materials,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In a statement, ANP president Arlene Infante said the Balik Salig Awards is a platform to recognize and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and skills of the local communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough this competition, we aim to empower individuals and communities to showcase their talents and contribute to the economic growth and development of Negros Occidental,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
The winners will get mentorship opportunities and the chance to showcase their products to a wider audience at the ANP\u2019s 38th Negros Trade Fair this coming September in Metro Manila. (PNA)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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