ARMM considering China, US, Europe markets for inaul cloth

DAVAO CITY — Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) officials are looking at China, the US, and Europe as markets for inaul, the traditional woven cloth from Maguindanao province.

Nulfarid Ampatuan, assistant department head of the Provincial Planning and Development Office, said the regional government recently received inquiries from interested buyers from the US and the Europe following a marketing campaign for the first Inaul Festival on Feb. 9-14.

“A lot have been contacting us already from US and Europe, they are interested in the fabric. Two weeks ago, they messaged us that they are interested to witness the festival to see how inaul is produced. I hope they can come,” Mr. Ampatuan said.

Department of Tourism ( DoT)- ARMM Regional Secretary Ayesha Vanessa Hajar M. Dilangalen, meanwhile, said since the thread used in weaving inaul is imported from China, they hope that the finished product will be received well there.

A road show in China promoting inaul is being planned for April or May, she added.

Local companies have also expressed interest in using the cloth for making bags, cushions and other accessories for fashion and home.

Ms. Dilangalen said the agency will consult the Maguindanao weaving community for the production of inaul on a commercial scale.

A group of women in Buluan, Maguindanao is among those who make the cloth under a livelihood and cultural preservation program of the local government. Two other weaving centers in the province are privately owned.

Mr. Ampatuan said the regional government is planning up to five production centers with help from the Department of Trade and Industry as well as the Department of Science and Technology for the weaving machines “so as not to lose authenticity of producing inaul.”

The inaul has been traditionally made into malong, a “tube skirt” with multiple uses. The more unique and expensive designs are used by Maguindanaons for special-occasion clothing.

Recently, inaul was in the spotlight as one of the materials used for gowns paraded by Ms. Universe candidates during the Mindanao Tapestry fashion show held in Davao City.

Ms. Dilangalen said the regional government is optimistic that the six-day Inaul Festival will generate more interest in the fabric and that Maguindanao’s weavers will be ready to meet demand. —