The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and the Department of Science and Technology in Region I launched the INABEL project in Dumalneg town to promote the culture of the indigenous peoples (IPs) and communities through weaving of ethnic attires.

Launched last November 10 at the town’s municipal hall, the INABEL, or the Innovations on Native Attires, Bracing and Encouraging Livelihood, also aims to provide livelihood opportunities to the town folks especially those differently-abled individuals. 

Mr. Jordan Abad, science research specialist of DOST Region I, said the first component of the project is called Panagabel, which is a training on the use of traditional hand loom weaving equipment that runs from November 10-13. Here, DOST will also introduce the loom weaving machine of the Philippine Textile Research Institute.  

During the training, Dr. Lawrence Eclarin, MMSU’s associate professor and the principal investigator of the Abel Iloko Project, discussed the Weaving and Mathematics and taught the participants on how to formulate abel designs, while Ms. Leonica Rico, a handicraft worker of the MMSU Loom Weaving Center, led the hands-on operation of the warping tool and the loom weaving machine. 

Eclarin said that aside from the training, four thera-loom machines will be awarded to the local government unit of Dumalneg on Friday (Nov. 13) to be used by the community for livelihood activities. This donation aims to encourage the formation of a town’s association for loom-weavers.  

This activity is in line with the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Project in Dumalneg town which the MMSU and DOST-1 are currently implementing. This includes various technological interventions and training programs that would help increase the productivity of townspeople. – Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. (StratCom)