By Nikka Garriga
SAN JUAN, ILOCOS SUR— One of the thriving industries in this town is the weaving of buri, a plant that grows abundantly in the Ilocos region.
Otherwise known as silag, the buri palm tree is characterized by its large, fan-shaped leaves from which fibers like the buntal and raffia are derived.
It has become a vital source of income and livelihood for the locals such as the members of the San Juan Buricrafts-SKA.
“Our group is a pool of skilled weavers from various towns in the municipality who have been engaged this handcrafts industry for over five years,” explains Marilou Torres.
Most of the members of the San Juan Buricrafts-SKA have been trained under the Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines (PDDCP) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
Their products range from bayongs, hats in different sizes to colorful handbags personally designed by the locals themselves.
With its contribution to San Juan’s local economy, buri is now considered the municipality’s main commodity under the DTI’s One Town, One Product program.
The plant is also a good source for other products like mats, brooms, decors and furniture while its fruits are processed into sweets, wine and vinegar.
Get more information on the San Juan Buricrafts SKA
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