UNP Research Journal Vol.

XIII January-December 2004 145

Women and Children in the Bamboo Craft

Villages of La Paz, Abra

Eloida Mailed
Alma B. Segismundo.

Abstract

This study generally aimed to describe the status and involvement of

women and children and the related local government support program in the
community-based bamboo craft industries in La Paz, Abra.

Women and children in the craft villages were weavers. Most of the
women weavers were above middle-age housewives married to low-income
farmers who are also engaged in the bamboo industry as an off-farm income
source. Women are engaged with their craft only when there are bigjob orders
from private entrepreneurs. The fact that weaving is not a stable source of
income, job satisfaction level is moderate. Membership to civic and social
organizations was limited to the Rural Improvement Clubs. Most of the
children weavers were of school age; however, they also help supply job
orders. The children's aspiration level is high as evidenced by their diligence
and determination to finish their studies. There are no specific government
programs that help uplift the living condition of women and children in the
craft villages. Some parts of the villages are not yet reached by electricity and
modern communication facilities.

The researchers recommend that a lead committee in the concerned local

government unit be created to look into the business aspect of the bamboo
industry especially to protect weavers from getting exploited by unscrupulous
traders. The Department of Trade and Industry(DTI) should help lookfor more
stable market for bamboo products; the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) should put up a project on the propagation of
bamboo and grass species; and the University of Northern Philippines(UNP)
through the extension programs of its different academic units should conduct
seminars to educate the village folks especially the women and children on
sound financial management, health care, skills improvement and product
training and development. These efforts will eventually uplift the status of the
bamboo craft villages.
146 UNP Research Journal Vol. XIII January-December 2004

Introduction

Background of the Study

Bamboo has always been a part of Filipino culture. It is an indispensable

material in the construction of the bahay kubo - the native Filipino home and other
semi-permanent type of houses. It is the material from which most of the
indigenous kitchen utensils, decors and furnitures are made from. For its quality of
being sturdy and its ability to withstand even the strongest typhoon, the bamboo is
compared to the Filipino who is able to survive amidst economic instability and
material insufficiency and recover fast in the face of distress. This makes the
bamboo very popular to all Filipinos. then and now.

Abra, which is located in the Cordilleras, has been a major supplier of

bamboo and bamboo products in local as well as national markets. The province's
mountainous terrain is very ideal for bamboos to thrive and to grow to its maximum
size.

Many decades ago, the Abra local bamboo industry was borne out of
necessity. Abrenians at first supplied bamboo poles by the truckloads to various
construction and manufacturing finns in and outside the province. Communities of
weavers were later put up to process raw bamboos into finished products like bags,
trays. hats. etc. Other Abrenians made money by harvesting young bamboo shoots
or rahong used in various food recipes. It is cheap. easy to cook and is very
delicious. The over-gathering of rahong somehow put the bamboo industry in
danger because it led to scarcity of mature poles due to the removal of the bamboo
shoots.

In most of the phases of the bamboo industry, women and their children are
actively involved. Except of course in the gathering phase, where musc:le power of
men is essential, women and children are the prime workforce in keeping the
bamboo industry going. In the municipality of La Paz. Abra, cra!l villages were set
up according to what particular product or task fits market demand, availability of
supplies and the skill of the village folks. These small-scale backyard industries
were put up upon the encouragement of private entrepreneurs who are in need of
bamboo products to be sold in bulks. With meager support from the government,
these bamboo craft villages exist with women at the forefront.

The result of this study may be used as basis of the University of Norther
Philippines (UNP) in drawing plans for the extension programs for women and
children. Since this study concems women. the Center for Gender and Development
may find the result useful in determining women-roles in community building.
Moreover, this study is also very helpful to the loeal government officials of La Paz
Women and Children in the Bamboo Cran Villages 147

and the provincial government of Abra in the perfonnance of their functions as

implementers of the existing laws/ordinances governing the use of bamboo; and as
legislators; to pass more realistic laws thal would further improve thc status of the
bamboo craft villages and uplift the condition of women and children.

Objectives of the Study

This study aimed to

1. determine the status of the respondents in terms oft he following:

a. demographic factors:
a.I age
a.2 civil status
a.3 family background
a.4 educational attainment
a.5 membership in social'civic organizations
a.6 leisure activities

2. identify the type and nature of involvement of women and children.

3. determine the level ofjob satisfaction among the women respondents.

4. determine the level of aspiration among the children involved.

5. identify local govemment programs that promote the welfare of women

and children.

Review of Literature

Bamboo, is the common name for about 45 genera and about 48) species of
perennial, woody. usually shrubby or treelike plants of the grass family. .Bamboos
occur mostly in tropical and sub-tropical areas, from sea level to snow-capped
mountain peaks, with a few species in the Americas and African and none in
Australia. The plants, range from stiff reeds about Im tall to giants reaching 50 m
in height and 30 cm in diameter near the base. Most bamboos are erect, but some
are vine, producing impenetrable thickets in some areas

Bamboos are among the plants most widely used by humans. In the tropics,
they are used for constructing houses. rafts, bridges, and scaffoldings. Split and
flattened culms can be used as flooring and interwoven to make baskets, mats. hats,
fish traps. and other articles; culms of large species may be used as containers for
liquids. Paper ts made from bamboo pulp. and fishing rods, water pipes, musical
 148 UNP Research Journal Vol. XIII January-December 2004

instruments, and chopsticks from other parts. Many bamboo species are planted as
ornamentals, and young shoots are eaten as vegetable (Crosby, 2003).

The impressive economy of bamboo housing stems largely from the

materials extraordinary low cost of production. The energy needed to produce
bamboo is approximately half that required for wood. For one thing, bamboo grows
quickly, up to three feet a day. While a tree can be harvested only once every 20
years, bamboo can be harvested every year. Also, the harvesting is simpler - a
machete or hacksaw is all that is needed - and sawmills are unnecessary.

Bamboo compares even more impressively with concrete and steel. It

requires one-eighth th: production energy concrete does to create material of the
same bearing capacity. With steel which must be smelted, poured, forged, alloyed,
cast, and tempered, the figure is closes to one-fiftieth (Roach, 1996).

The role of women in the workforce varies according to the structure,

needs, customs, and attitudes by the societies in which they live. In prehistoric
times. women and men participated almost equally in hunting and gathering
activities to obtain food. With the development of agricultural communities,
women's work revolved around the home. They prepared food, made clothing, and
cared for children, while also helping to plow fields, harvest crops, and tend
animals. As cities developed, some women sold or traded goods in the marketplace.

Some major changes are now occurring in industrial nations, including the
steadily increasing proportion of women in the labor force; decreasing family
responsibilities (due to both smaller family size and technological innovation in the
home); higher levels of education for women; and more middle and upper income
women working for pay.

Much of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America remain primarily
poor in terms of agricultural economy. Most women work in the fields and
marketplaces, but their economic contributions are generally unrecognized. As men
migrate to the cities in search of increasingly important cash incomes, many reveal
women are lef to support families alone.

In many countries, children endure hard physical labor and dangerous

working condition in factories and fields. Child labor is traditional in some
countries in South Asia.

Throughout the ages and in all cultures, children joined with their parents to
work in the fields, in the marketplace, and around the home as soon as they .were
old enough to perform simple tasks (O'Farrel, 2004).

According to Pablico (2O05). bamboo handicrafts have become a profitable

source of income fro many people in La Union. In the town of Caba alone. a good
Women and Children in the Bamboo Craft Villages 149

number of people have taken bamboo furniture making as a major source of

livelihood. Local bamboo craft makers display their products along the highway.
especially bamboo furniture, attracting interested motorists to simply drop by and
buy.

In San Fernando City, fanners in the hilly eastern barangays are also
engaged in making large bamboo baskets, locally called kuribot, which are used
mainly for carrying agricultural products like vegetables, as well as market baskets.

The residents of Barangay Abut, San Fernando City, however, say that the
supply of bamboo poles has been dwindling for quite sometime now. Basket
weavers now go to other places in search of bamboo poles whenever they could no
longer harvest even a single pole from their own bamboo groves.

Cesar A. Orallo, regional director of the Ecosystems Research and

Development Service (EROS) in the Ilocos, Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR), is afraid that the time will come when the bamboo
handicrafts industry in La Union would eventually die a natural death if the
situation continues unabated. That is why in 2002, ERDS embarked on a modest
project to encourage farmers to plant bamboos in their communities. The project
aims to generate livelihood and employment opportunities, disseminate bamboo
technologies, support the continuing demand of bamboo industries, and increase the
bamboo pole supply in the province. They projected that the plantation
establishment cost will be recovered in 2007 with a net income of P19,210.00 a
hectare or a total of P960,500.00 The production cost in the first four years,
including labor which is provided by the farmer-partners, amounts to Ill 9,750.00 a
hectare. In the sixth year (2008), the plantations are expected to yield P1.56 million
as net income.

Given this staggering financial returns as projected by the ERDS

researchers, there should be more than enough reasons for people in almost denuded
mountain sides to have their areas planted with bamboo.

Methodology

Research Design. The descriptive research design was used in this study.
The approach was both qualitative and quantitative. It made use of interviews and
documentary analysis of pertinent records obtained from concerned government and
private agencies in the municipality of La Paz, Abra.

Sampling. The respondents in this study were 130 women (aged 18 and
above), 48 children or minors (aged 0 1o 17) from the crafi villages of Udangan and
iludeng and three (3) key informants from barangas Benben ad Liguis.
 150 UNP Research Journal Vol. XIII January-December 2004

Concemed personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

(DENR), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of La Paz, Abra, the
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Local Govemment Units
(LGUs) also provided pertinent data.

Data Gathering Instrument. This study made use of an interview

schedule which included questions that were answered by women and children
employed as farmers, gatherers, weavers, sellers, and exporters. A survey
questionnaire was also used to determine the level ofjob satisfaction among women
respondents and level of aspiration among children. Key informants were
interviewed on some important aspects of the business.

Statistical Treatment. Frequency counts, percentages and means were

used in the profile of the respondents. The levels of satisfaction and aspiration were
measured using a five-point scale as follows:

Rating Description
5 Very high
4 Higb
3 Moderate
2 Low
l Very low

Discussion of Results

Profile of the Respondents

Table I presents the profile of women respondents. Out of 130 women, 52

(40%) belonged to age group 41-0: and 30 (23.08%) belonged to age group 51-60.
Most women involved in the industry were above middle age as evidenced by the
mean age of 48.15. However. there are also senior women among the respondents
(16 12.31%) in the age group 61-70 and five (5 or 3.85%) who are above 7l ycars
old. This means that even old women are still productive and are capable of doing
particular tasks in the bamboo craft industry.

Of the 130 women respondents. majority (II or 85,38%) were married.

Only 13 (10%) were smgle and six (6 or 4.62%) were either widowed or separated.
lhicse data show that women involvement in bamboo craft making is not hampered
by the perfonnance ot household tasks.
 Women and Children in the Bamboo Craft Villages 151

Table 1. Profile of women respondents.

ITEMS FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Age
below 30 9 6.92
31-40 18 13.84
41 -50 52 40.00
51-60 30 23.08
61- 70 16 12.31
71- up 5 3.85
Mean Age - 48.15
Civil Status
Single 13 10.00
Married 111 85.38
Separated/Widow 6 4.62
Educational Attainment
Elementary 77 59.23
High School 46 35.38
Vocational 3 2.31
College 4 3.08
Membership in Organizations
Rural Improvement Club 23 17.69
Timpuyog Dagiti Inna 7 5.38
Cooperative 3 2.31
No membership 97 74.62
Leisure Activities
Watch TV 5 3.85
Read magazines 2 1.54
No response 123 94.61

Most of the women respondents had not been in college. Seventy-seven (77
or 59.23%) have finished or at least started their elementary education and 46
(35.38%) were high school graduates. There were three (3 or 2.31 %) who enrolled
in vocational courses namely: radio operator. dressmaking, and secretarial. This
means that the women have skills other than weaving and this gives them additional
options for livelihood. There were four (4 or 3.08%) who finished degrees in
college; one each for BSE, BEEd. BSIE and AB. However, they say that they find
these degrees not very helpful in finding a stable employment.

In terms of membership in organizations, majority (97 or 74.62%) do not

get involved in social or civic organizations. They claimed that they find little
interest in joining clubs because they do not get anything or any benefit from
 152 UNP Research Journal Vol. XIII January-December 2004

organizations. However, there were 23 (17.69%) members of the Rural

Improvement Clubs (RIC). Some of these RIC members take pride of being
involved in the clean and green projects in their respective communities. However,
there were some who were not very active in the organization. Seven {7 or 5.38%)
are members of the Timpuyog Dagiti Inna, local chapter a province-wide
organization of mothers. Only three (3 or 2.31%) claimed to be members of small
cooperatives.

The women respondents were hesitant to describe the ways in which they
entertain themselves when they do not have any work to do. Most of them ( 123 or
94.61 %) did not respond to the question about leisure activities. They said that they
devote most of their time rearing their children and doing household chores.
However, there were some who said that they do have "but not all the time" cards or
bingo sessions under the trees. Since these were considered forms of gambling, the
women were rather shy to admit it. There are also women who just relaxed and
talked with other people when there lull in their no work. Only five (S or 3.85%)
women watch TV for news and entertainment while two (2 or 1.54%) read
magazines. This was due to the very few respondents who have TV sets and
magazines at home.

Table 2 presents the family background of the 111 married respondents. In

terms of number of children, there were 70 (63.06%) who have less than ·four
children, and 33 (29.73%) with 5 - 8 children. Three (3 or 2.70%) have extremely
big families of inore than nine {9) children. Only five (5 or 4.51 %) have no children
yet because they just got married. This implies that most of the women involved in
the bamboo craft industry have average sized families.

Most (69 or 62.16%) of the husbands of the respondents were farmers;

although most of these farmers were also skilled weavers who get. involved in the
bamboo industry during peak seasons. Twenty-one (21 or 18.92%) were purely
weavers. Other occupations of the husbands were driving, carpentry, fishing,
ferrying people and cargoes across the river, etc. There were four (4 or 3.61%) who
were jobless. According to the wives of these jobless men, their husbands just do
errands for other people at times and receive whatever meager amount given them.

All the 111 married women interviewed claimed that their husbands'
earnings are not sufficient to meet the needs of the family. Forty-eight (48 or
43.24%) have husbands whose income ranged from B1,001 to B,000. There were
21 (18.92%) husbands whose monthly earnings fall below P1,000; 11 (9.91%) with
P2.001 to P 3.000: and 9 (8.11%) with P 3,001 to P 4.000. Very few respondents
have husbands who eam more than P4,000. There were 15 (13.52%) who dared not
to answer the question. The women were not very comfortable talking about the
financial status of their families.
 Women and Children in the Bamboo Craft Villages 153

Table 2. Profile of married respondents.

ITEMS FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

- (N=11l) (6)
Family Background (for married
respondents)
Number of Children
none 5 4.51
1-4 70 63.06
5-8 33 29.73
9-- up 3 2.70
Husband's occupation
Farmer 69 62.16
Weaver 21 18.92
Driver 6 5.41
Carpenter 3 2.70
Fisherman 3 2.70
Ferry man 2 1.80
Utility worker I 0.90
Construction worker I 0.90
Sari-sari store owner I 0.90
Nojob 4 3.61

Husband's monthly income

Below P1000 21 18.92
1,001 - 2000 48 43.24
P2,O01 - 3000 I1 9.91
P3.001 - 4000 9 8.11
P4,001 - 5000 2 1.80
P5,001 -- 6000 4 3.60
P6,001 -up I 0.90
No response 15 13.52

Table 3 reflects the data to describe the 48 children respondents. There

were 27 (56.25%) who belonged to the age group 16 to 18; 15 (31.25%) belong to
13 tol5 and six (6 or 12.50%) belong to age group 10 to 12. It is evident that most
of the respondents are teenagers who are already old enough to be of help in the
bamboo craft industry.

Of the 48 children. 26 (54.17%) were males and 22 (45.83%) were females.

This data show that children 's involvement in the industry is not determined by sex
but by the child's willingness to work and eam money. In two (2) cases, the
children were forced into the industry by the poor living condition of the family.
 154 UNP Research Journal Vol. XIII January-December 2004

The children had to stop their studies inorder to work. Their minimal earning adds
up to their parents low-income.

Table 3. Profile of children respondents.

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
ITEMS N=48 %)
Age
10-12 6 12.50
13-15 15 31.25
16-18 27 56.25
Sex
Male 26 54.17
Female 22 45.83
Educational Eackground
Studying 25 52.08
Not studying 23 47.92
Father's Occupation
Farmer 33 68.75
Weaver 4 8.34
Driver 2 4.17
Ferryman I 2.08
Fisherman I 2.08
Construction worker I 2.08
None 2 4.17
Deceased 4 8.33
Mother's Occupation
Housekeeper 35 72.92
Farmer 10 20.83
Laundrywoman 3 6.25
Membership in organizations
Sangguniang Kabataan 24 50.00
CAT Officer!school organization I 2.08
None 23 47.92
Leisure activities
Basketball 14 29.17
Picnics I 2.08
Dancing 9 18.75
Watching IV 2 4.17
Listening to the radio 10 20.83
None 12 25.00

There were 25 (52.08%) who were enrolled and 23 (47.92%) who were not
studying. Those who were not studying were the full time weavers especially when
there were big orders. Those who were studying worked as part time weavers.
 Women and Children in the Bamboo Craft Villages 155

Most (33 or 68.75%) of the children have fathers who were fanners. Only
four (4 or 8.34%) claimed to have fathers who are full time weavers. Other fathers
were engaged in varied occupations. However, all of the children respondents
mentioned that their fathers are skilled weavers. Two (2 or 4.17%) children said
that their fathers have no full time occupation; however, their fathers weave during
peak seasons. Four (4 or 8.33%) children have widowed mothers working as
weavers and have other sources of income.

Most (35 or 72.92%) of the children said their mothers have no jobs and
therefore are full time housekeepers; IO (20.83%) have mothers who are farmers
and three (3 or 6.25%) laundrywomen. The children respondents said that they do
not consider their mothers' involvement in the weaving industry as a stable source
of livelihood since this happens only when there are big orders from private
entrepreneurs.

In terms of membership in organizations, Table 4 reflects 24 (50%)

members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK): One (I) was a CAT officer who is
active in his school organization. The 23 (47.92%) had no membership in any social
or civic group. The SK members however were not very active in SK activities and
that they only join during fiestas. The 23 who have no membership just don't care
about organizations because according to them, joining such is just a waste of time.

Table 4 shows the leisure activities of children respondents Playing

basketball as their most popular activity with 14 (29.17%) respondents; l 0 (20.83%)
prefer listening to the radio; nine (9 or18.75%) love to dance and only two (2 or
4.17%) watch TV. There were 12 (25%) who claimed not to have any leisure
activity; though they "sometimes" join the bingo sessions under the trees.

Table 4. Schools where the children respondents study.

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
LEVEL/SCHOOL
N=25 (%)
High School
Abra High School Mudeng Annex 14 56.00
College/Vocational
Abra State Institute of Sciences and & 4.00
Technology
Divine Word College of Bangued I 4.00
Abra Valley College 8 32.00
Data Center Philippines I 4.00
 156 UNP Research Joumal Vol. Xlll January-Dccember 2004

Table 4 presents the data on the enrolment of the children. There were 14
(56%) children who were enrolled in high school. The putting up of the Abra High
School Annex in Mudeng is very advantageous since the children no longer cross
the Abra River to attend school. During the rainy season, the bank of the river
swells which prompts ferryboat owners and jeepney operators to increase the fare to
Bangued, the capital town where most schools are located. There were 11
respondents enrolled in college; eight (8 or 32%) go to the Abra Valley Colleges,
and one each to the Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology, Divine Word
College of Bangued. and the Data Center Philippines. These students were hopeful
to finish their courses and land in a stable job in the future.

Type and Nature of Involvement

The womea and children perform varied tasks in the craft villages.
Majority are weavers. Table 5 and 6 shows the type and nature of the respondents'
involvement in the bamboo craft industry.

Table S. Type and nature of involvement of women respondents.

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
NATURE OF INVOLVEMENT*
n= 130) (%)
Manager I 0.77
Weaver 129 99.23
Gatherer 37 28.46
Designer 76 58.46
Quality control 87 66.92
Trader I 0.77
Helper I 0.77
Cultivator 0 0.00
Multiple responses

Of the 130 women respondents, 129 (99.23%) were primarily weavers.

These women performed other tasks, however, like gathering of bamboos and reeds,
. designing products, and checking finished products for quality control. Only one
(I) said she no longer weaves but manages her own bamboo craft business. This
finding implies that women perform most of the tasks in the industry except for the
splitting process which is normally done by men. Until this time, there are no
machines in the villages to split the bamboos except for the usual bolo or a sharp
knife. Men in the villages are also the ones who look for raw materials and
prospects for new sources.
Women and Children in the Bamboo Craft Villages 157

The women are highly skilled weavers. They don't have regular working
hours however. when there are big orders, they are forced to work up to 12 hours a
day. When there are no orders, they don't weave at all. They weave fast and can
finish 5-6 products a day depending on the kind of product desired. They follow
intricate patterns and strict specifications which are prescribed by the job orders.
However, they also can make designs of their own. Women are also keen on
quality. Most of them supervise and teach other weavers so that the quality of their
products is consistent and acceptable in the market. The products made in the craft
villages include placemats, hats, trays, bag, attache cases, fans, and other decorative
items. The most common bamboo species used is the puser (Cyrtochkia sp), which
according to them is the easiest to manipulate because it doesn't easily break.

The women were hesitant to talk about their income derived from weaving
since they do not get fixed amounts for their products. In fact, different respondents
sell the same kind of products at different prices. Among the respondents, the
highest income quoted was P500/week during peak seasons. The lowest was P 100.
Most of them sell their products in cash, directly to private traders and exporters.
Sometimes they just give their products as payment for loans obtained from the
private traders. There are also some who get the payment of their products on an
installment basis. According to the respondents, this puts them at the mercy of
private businessmen who buy the products at very low prices.

Table 6. Economic activities other than weaving.

ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

N=130

Farming 33 25.38
Laundry 4 3.08
Manicure/pedicure 4 3.08
Poultry raising 3 2.31
Hog raising 2 1.54
Fishing 2 1.54
No response 82 63.07

Table 6 shows the women's sources of income other than weaving. Most
(82 or 63.07%) of them do not have any other economic activity aside from
weaving. There were 33 (25.38%) who said that they eam extra income by helping
in farms during the planting and harvesting seasons. Their additional income from
fanning does not usually come in cash. They bartered their farm products with
other crops and goods for their families' needs. Four (4 or 3.08%) women earned
cash from laundry service on a daily basis. There were also four (4 or 3.08%)
women who used their special skills in doing manicure and pedicure jobs for other
 158 UNP Research Journal Vol. Xlll January-December 2004

women in the community. Other activities were hog-raising and fishing. This data
imply that the women can engage in other activities when there were no weaving
jobs in the craft villages. According to the women, job orders are so seldom that
they feel the weaving industry is no longer profitable. They mentioned that the
younger women and even young men preferred to go to other places to serve as
maids, sales ladies or construction workers rather than being idle while waiting for
weaving jobs to come. Women expressed fears of losing the family bamboo-
weaving tradition since children are lured into other interests. The need for
financial security prompted the village folks to engage into other livelihood
activities which were more stable and profitable.

Table 7. Type and nature of participation of children in the craft villages.

.rea .- a.. at..a.act1..t.
.r.1....

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
SPECIFIC TASK
(N=48) ")
Weaving 48 100.00
Gathering raw materials 19 39.58
Carrying materials to the village 21 43.75
Designing products 2 4.17
Splitting bamboo poles 6 12.50
Sewing parts / putting accessories 6 12.50
Polishing products 2 4.17
Painting/varnishing finished products 10 20.83
Packing/bundling products 14 29.17
Transporting finished products to
designated buyers 2 4.17
Note: multiple responses

Table 7 shows that all (100%) children respondents were skilled weavers.
Some of them were engaged in other tasks like carrying materials to the village (2 J
or 43.75%). gathering of raw materials (19 or 39.58%). packing or bundling of
products (14 or 29.17%), painting or varnishing of finished products (IO or
20.83%), and other tasks which they were capable of doing to be of help to the
bamboo craft business in the village. Those who were studying help in the business
after class hours and during weekends. If big orders come, they brought their work
to school and wove during break time: or when the situation demands, they skip
their classes and work in the village. However, those who were not studying
usually worked for three to six hours a day. During peak season when job orders
from big entrepreneurs are placed. the children were required to work even at night
Just to finish the order in time.
Women and Children in the Bamboo Craft Villages 159

The children were also asked about how they learned to weave. Most of
them said that this kind of craft does not require much training and it is more of a
family tradition that is passed-on to them. They said that by simply watching, they
learned how to weave a particular product and with the supervision of adults, they
were able to come up with quality outputs. Nevertheless. the children mentioned
that they were trained by their parents especially their mothers. There were three
children who also acknowledged the services of an extension worker regarding the
training in weaving a particular product for export.

Products made by the children are fans, placemats, barbecue sticks, mats.
and other decorative items. Attache cases, bags and trays were made by more
skilled children weavers. Their daily output depended on the complexity of the
product being made. Most of them can finish an average of three small items a day.
Regarding the mode of receiving their wage, most of them said·that they are paid
per piece finished. Some of them however said that they received their wage daily
and sometimes weekly. The respondents who were studying mentioned that they
use the money they earn from weaving for allowance and for the purchase of
materials needed in school. Other children said that they give the money to their
parents for food and other family needs.

Job Satisfaction among Women Respondents

Table 8 shows the level ofjob satisfaction among women respondents in the
craft villages. Based on the means generated, items which were described at low
level referred to the economic aspect of the bamboo craft industry and its emotional
and psychological impact on the women. Described as moderate were the
perceptions that women are better weavers than men (5= 2.62); that their
involvement in the craft depends on their capability and health (X= 3.07) and that
weaving is the most appropriate job for the women respondents {X = 3.05).
However, there were also items rated at high level: weaving as a decent job (=
3.44); pride in their outputs (X= 3.52 and 3.51 ); and hope for the expansion of the
bamboo industry (5= 3.77). As a whole, the women's job satisfaction was placed
at moderate level (= 2.74). This finding implies that the women do not find much
fulfillment in the bamboo craft industry. This may be due to the low and unstable
income derived from weaving. Women as mothers especially are very much
concerned about the needs of the family. Most of the mothers expressed their
reluctance for their children to be involved in the bamboo craft industry due to the
low economic returns. However, since they believe it is a decent job, they might as
well let the children become weavers especially if there is no other job available for
them.
 160 UNP Research Journal Vol. XIII January-December 2004

Table 8. Level of women's job satisfaction.

RESPONSES FREQUENCY DESCRIPTION

Bamboo craft is a worthwhile occupation. 2.51 Low
Weaving is a decent job. 3.44 High
Weaving gives me a lot of profit. 2.15 Low
Engaging in bamboo craft makes me feel
successful as a woman. 2.28 Low
Income from weaving helps me send my
children to school. 2.39 Low
Women are better weavers or craft makers
than men. 2.62 Moderate
I wish my children to be weavers or crali
makers, too. 2.10 Low
Bamboo craft brings out the artist in me. 2.48 Low
I am proud of my bamboo products. 3.52 High
I will be a weaver or craf1 maker as long as 1 3.07 Moderate
can.
Weaving is the best job for me. 3.05 Moderate
My children and husband are proud ofmy
being a weaver or craft maker. 3.51 High
My income from bamboo crafts helps a lot in
the repair of my house. 2.14 Low
My income from bamboo craft helps me buy
the things I want. 2.14 Low
I wish that the bamboo craft industry will 3.77 High
ex and.
As a whole 2.74 Moderate
Note: 4.21-5.0 Very High
3.414.2 High
2.61-3.4 Moderate
I 8I 2.6 Low
I- 1.8 Very Low

Aspirations of Children in the Craft Villages

The children s level of aspiration was generally high (X= 3.89). The items
which were given hugh rating were on personal aspirations and plans for a bright
future. The children 's idea about travel around the world was moderate (X= 3.19).
Education Is very important to the children (5 = 4.77) and most of them want to
finish a degree (= 4.4) They said that a degree in college would be very helpful
in finding a stable ob his eventually allows them to be of help to their parents,
 ·,
Women and Children in the Bamboo Craft Villages 161

brothers and sisters (X = 4.77). However, they gave a very low rating to the item
about being a government official (5=2.31) and they expressed their frustration
about the insensitivity of the government to their condition. This was the reason
why they do not aspire of engaging in politics. The children believed that they can
get rid of poverty by finishing their studies and working hard for their family.

Table 9. Level of aspiration of children respondents.

RESPONSES DESCRIPTION
When I grow up to be an adult, I want to have
my own business enterprise. 3.94 High
1 want to finish a degree course. 4.44 Very High
I will have a husband and kids. 3.71 High
I will help other people in my barangay. 4.17 High
I will have a big house. 3.92 High
I will own a car. 3.83 High
I will travel around the world. 3.19 Moderate
I will be a government official. 2.13 Low
Education is important to me. 4.77 Very High
When I have a stable job, 1 will help my
parents, brothers and sisters. 4.77 Very High
As a whole 3.89 High
Note:
4.21-5.0 Very High
3.41-4.2 High
2.61-3.4 Moderate
1.81 -2.6 Low
1-1.8 Vcry Low

When asked about their ambitions in life, a big number of children

respondents ( I 8 or 37.50%) wanted to become policemen and one girl wanted lo be
a policewoman; 12 (25%) prefer to engage in the nursing profession, eight (8 or
16.67%) wanted to be in business and the rest wished to become professionals; i.e.
teacher, architect, engineer, accountant, doctor, and computer specialist. This
proves the respondents' desire to improve their present life condition. To them,
depending solely on the present kind of livelihood the parents have at present have
is to be tied-up with poverty.

Government Programs for the Welfare of the Craft Villages

Most of the respondents were not aware of any specific government project
or program lo support the craft villages. However, there were three children who
162 UNP Research Journal Vol. XIII January-December 2004

mentioned that they were assisted by an extension worker in their basic training in
weaving.

In an interview with the mayor of La Paz, Abra and other municipal

employees said that the local government has been rying its best to support the
weavers and the industry as well. However, the LGU finds it difficult to meddle
with the industry since the weavers prefer to do business by_ themselves. Poverty is
the main reason why the weavers transact directly with private entrepreneurs. The
municipality also gave ten (10) units of kerosene lamp (Coleman) to a remote
village not yet covered by the electrification program of the government. These
were given when a big job order-was required for export. The LGU was pressured
to bring electricity to the said area that time but B8 million was required for the
electrification of the village. Nevertheless, the municipal government is currently
drafting plans that include electrification and putting up of a crafts display area in
the business center of the town.

Executive Order No. 08, s. 2002 created the Provincial Bamboo Industry
Cluster Committee (PBICC) which was tasked to plan, coordinate, implement and
evaluate programs and projects included in the Bamboo Industry Cluster Plan. This
plan has identified some priority projects that need assistance from various local,
national, government and private agencies and that provide economic benefits to the
province in terms of employment, investment generation. increase in income of
bamboo stakeholders, and reduction of poverty in the poor rural communities of the
province. The committee is composed of representatives from agencies like the
Department of Trade and Jndustry, Department of Environment and Natural
Resources. Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Agriculture, In-Hand
Abra Foundation, Abra. State Institute of Sciences and Technology, Technical
Education Skills Development Authority, Department of Labor and Employment,
Department of Science and Technology, Department of Interior and Local
Government, Land Bank of the Philippines and other institutions.

The Provincial Government of Abra has also passed several resolutions and
ordinances that aimed at improving the bamboo industry. like the ordinances to
regulate the transport of unprocessed bamboo poles outside the province, and, a
resolution requesting Senator Heherzon Alvarez and the DENR to grant or award a
bamboo reforestation project in the identified craft villages.

The DTI Personnel-In-Charge informed the researchers of the agency's

programs to support the bamboo craft industry of Abra. They regularly sponsor
skills training/seminar in order to train new weavers and update old ones of new
designs and trends in bamboo crafi. DTI is one of the key agencies that comprise
the Provincial Bamboo Industry Cluster Committee. It also sponsors the annual
Bamboo Festival in March which showcases the craftsmanship of the local weavers
and the diversity of products made in the different craft villages.
Women and Children in the Bamboo Craft Villages 163

On the part of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, it has

conducted an inventory of bamboo species that thrive in the province of Abra. At
present it is maintaining a bamboo propagation site in Lagangilang, Abra. It is also
a very active member agency in the Provincial Bamboo Industry Cluster
Committee.

Despite the programs being done by the aforementioned government

agencies, the respondents were not aware of the government interventions in the
bamboo industry and they find very little significance the role of the government in
their lives. This may rellcct poor dissemination al the level of the village folks.

Summary and Conclusion

Most of the women respondents are weavers. They are above middle-age
housewives married to low-income farmers who are also engaged in the bamboo
industry as an alternative source of income especially after the farming season.
These women are elementary graduates and their membership to civic and social
organizations is limited to the Rural Improvement Clubs. Most of the children
weavers are teenagers old enough to be of help in the bamboo craft industry. Some
are part time weavers because they are still studying. The members of the
Sangguniang Kabataan are active during fiestas.

The women weavers are busy with their craft only when there are big job
orders from private entrepreneurs. They perfonn other tasks like gathering of
bamboos and reeds, designing products, and checking finished products for quality
control. The children are also weavers but they perfonn other tasks to help their
parents especially during peak seasons. Those who are still studying weave after
their classes. Their minimal earnings help augment their parents' income.

The fact that weaving is not a stable source of income, the women's job
satisfaction level is moderate. However, they perceive weaving to be a decent job.
The children's aspiration level is high. Most of them want to become professionals
as evidenced by their diligence and determination to finish their studies.

There are no specific government programs that help uplift the living
condition of women and children in the craft villages. The respondents are not
aware of the government interventions in the bamboo industry and they find very
little significance in the role of the government in their lives.
 164 UNP ResearchJoumal Vol. XIII January-December 2004

Recommendations

A lead committee in the local government unit be created to look into the
business aspect of the bamboo industry to prevent big entrepreneurs from taking
advantage of the weaknesses of the weavers.

The DTI should help look for more stable market for bamboo products. it
should establish linkages with export finns and assist in the promotion of the
bamboo products.

·The DENR should put up more project sites for the propagation of bamboo.
Furthermore, the possibility of propagating other bamboo and grass species which
can be used for handicrafts and furniture should be studied. DENR in cooperation
with the local government of La Paz should identify idle lands suitable for
propagation and encourage the villagers to produce the materials they need.

The local government should sponsor scholarship grants to children of

weavers and encourage them to enroll in courses that will enhance the capabilities
of craft villagers in terms of design, product development and innovations.

The UNP through its extension programs should conduct seminars to

educate the village folks especially the women and children on sound financial
management, health care,. skills improvement and product training and
development.

Wider dissemination should be done to promote the bamboo-related

programs among the villagers to make them aware of the govemment's efforts in
improving the bamboo industry. Planning for such programs should include
representatives from the weavers.

References

CROSBY, M. R. Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2003.

 Women and Children in the Bamboo Craft Villages 165

O'FARRNELL, B. Microsoft Encarta Reference Library 2003.

PABLICO, S.. MA. "Making the La Union Bamboo Industry Sustainable." The Philippine
Agriculture. April 2005.

ROACH, M. Bamboo as a Building Material. Discover Magazine. June 1996.

WEIER, E. T., et al. Botany an Introduction to Plant Biology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
1982.