Firm uses banana-based textile to manufacture face masks

Modishchey Creations is producing reusable face masks, a new fashion line that is using indigenous banana fiber woven textile.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of Davao del Norte introduced this idea to Gleizl Joy Cabahug Soo of Modishchey Creations as part of the office’s assistance to the company to sustain its business operation and to provide employment amid the constraints brought by the current situation.

DTI Regional Operations Group (ROG) Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona has been dynamic and responsive to the needs of the sector equipping them to venture into opportunities fit in the pandemic crisis.

The banana fiber “musa,” the scientific name of banana, is the main material of the textile produced by the Davao del Norte’s Indigenous People (IP) women weavers as well as the prisoners or people deprived of liberty (PDLs). These banana fiber woven textiles are the output of DTI’s initiative last year, the training on banana fiber-weaving among the IPs and the prisoners.

DTI has noted the primary aim of this project, which is to promote sustainable livelihood for the IPs especially among the prisoners who have no means of providing for their families. Within a short period after its introduction to the market on May 8, 2020, a total of 60 pieces were already sold. Aside from this, Soo received an order of 1,000 pieces from Visayas and as far as the United States.

Soo’s new product line has initially provided jobs to seven tailors and 20 weavers. It is also expected to expand and generate more income for them as the “musa” fabric is getting more market attention.

Meanwhile, DTI-Davao del Norte is committed to continue its support to the project, also helps the banana fiber production sustainable through the Department’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) program.