Negros Oriental PWDs to be trained to weave

DUMAGUETE CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental plans to train Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the province on cloth weaving as a livelihood.

DTI Negros Oriental Director Nimfa Virtucio said the idea to train the PWDs on cloth weaving was borne out of the need to increase production and to establish a cheaper source of raw materials for manufacturers of woven products such as fashion accessories.

“In so doing we can also provide lasting and wider livelihood opportunities for people with disabilities because skills in weaving is best suited for them,” Virtucio said.

She said there are bag manufacturers in the province, but they get their raw materials elsewhere, which adds to production cost.

Training PWDs on weaving will encourage manufacturers to source their raw materials in Negros Oriental, Virtucio said.

The idea to train PWDs was first announced at a news forum during National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week.

Dumaguete Negosyo Center official Hye Rhea Eso-Culminas said DTI is looking for a place where PWD weavers can work. There is a proposal to have the facility established in the local parish in Barangay Junob, Culminas said.

Culminas also extended cooperation with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and City Councilor Bernice Elmaco who is the chair of the city council\s Committee on People with Special Concerns for the training project.

“This is a big project and this is sustainable. This can help women and PWDs gain income. It’s not a livelihood training that lasts for a day and gone tomorrow or the following day,” Culminas said.

The program can also help link PWD weavers with buyers of woven products, and once the details are finalized, the DTI here will call the members of PWD federation in Dumaguete City and neighboring towns to start the training, Virtucio said.