The Banana Fiber Weavers Livelihood Association capitalizes on Davao del Norte’s banana industry, creating eco-friendly fashion while empowering local artisans.
In Braulio E. Dujali, Davao Del Norte, the Banana Fiber Weavers Livelihood Association (BAFWELA) has successfully emerged as a prominent player in the sustainable fashion industry, capitalizing on the region’s flourishing banana industry. Established in October 2019, the association was conceived from an initiative led by Abel T. Pagatpat of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry Davao del Norte Provincial Office (DTI-Davao del Norte) and officially registered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shortly thereafter.
The global sustainable fashion market has experienced substantial growth, currently valued at $7.8 billion and projected to reach $33.05 billion by 2030, according to a report by Coherent Market Insights. With consumers increasingly gravitating toward eco-friendly products, BAFWELA has positioned itself advantageously by producing fashion bags known as bayongs, crafted from banana fibers and recycled plastic straps. This innovation not only offers environmentally sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials but also provides significant livelihood opportunities for local artisans.
However, the path to success was not devoid of challenges. The association faced numerous obstacles, including limited access to weaving equipment and raw materials, a lack of business expertise, and difficulties in marketing their products outside their local area. BAFWELA vice president Angelita A. Dalisay reflected on these hardships, stating, “There were times when we thought of giving up, especially when orders were low and expenses were high. But we reminded ourselves why we started – to provide opportunities for our fellow artisans and to showcase the beauty of our craftsmanship.” In light of these challenges, the association sought partnerships with government agencies and NGOs, which led to critical support in terms of business training, marketing assistance, and grants to enhance their operational capabilities.
Over the years, BAFWELA has expanded its product offerings and established a critical partnership with MUSA Fabric, a brand that recognized the potential and quality of their textiles. This collaboration has been instrumental in providing steady orders that helped stabilize the association’s financial footing. The organization has also received support from local government, such as the mayor of Braulio E. Dujali, Leah Marie Moral-Romano, who became an ambassador for their products, further enhancing visibility in the marketplace.
As their reputation grew, BAFWELA began to attract national and international attention, participating in trade fairs and showcasing the unique cultural craftsmanship of their fashion bayong bags. Their commitment to innovation is also reflected in collaborations with persons deprived of liberty (PDL) to create components for their bags, thereby providing meaningful work opportunities and adding an authentic artistic flair to their products.
BAFWELA’s success is underscored by its commitment to social empowerment and sustainability. With expansion efforts, the association has created additional job opportunities for artisans, particularly women from various barangays, who sought to contribute to the local weaving tradition. The organization has also garnered various grants and awards, solidifying its reputation within the sustainable fashion sector.
Looking ahead, Zerline T. Balleque, DTI-Davao del Norte provincial director, emphasized the agency’s commitment to supporting BAFWELA’s continued growth. “We at DTI-Davao del Norte are steadfast in our commitment to helping BAFWELA achieve greater heights. By providing ongoing business training, marketing assistance, and product development support, we ensure that BAFWELA continues to evolve and expand its market reach,” she remarked.
As BAFWELA represents a beacon of resilience and innovation, its future appears bright, drawing on community collaboration, cultural heritage, and a dedicated focus on sustainable fashion to build on their early success.
Source: Noah Wire Services
