Weaving kultura: How basketry sustains the Manaoag community
Illustration by Rahndal Rico
These locally-crafted baskets in Manaoag are making a difference.
Near the heart of Manaoag, Pangasinan, lies a 40-year-old family business dedicated to basket-weaving. Founded by artisan Rodrigo Sibayan, the Sibayan Handicrafts stands as one of the oldest handicrafts shops in the municipality.
In an exclusive interview, Rodrigo’s son, Christian Sibayan, explained that his father was inspired by his uncle, who was also a craftsman.
“Bale kumuha si papa ng experience doon sa tito niya na nagh-handicraft din dati. Tapos nag-take risk siya—pumunta siya ng Manila at kumuha ng orders ng basket at nagtuloy-tuloy na,” he said.
Like other traditional baskets being sold in the country, rattan and buri palm fibers are the commonly used materials in making the baskets.
“Nakukuha namin yung mga materials sa Angeles, Pampanga. Meron din sa Ilocos at Bolinao,” he said.
For years, the practice of basketry has been a source of livelihood for Filipinos. In Pangasinan, for example, a Gagaban basket is used as fish container.
Sibayan revealed that the business not only supports their family but also benefits their community.
“Malaking tulong ito hindi lang para sa amin kundi nakakatulong kami sa ka-barangay namin. Yung mga workers namin ay mga magsasaka, mga housewives, at yung mga naghahanap ng trabaho. Kaya ayun binibigyan namin sila ng opportunity para may additional income sila,” he said.
Ensuring perfect blend of durability and style in their products, Sibayan Handicrafts has reached international markets like the US and Japan.
“Meron po kaming export dati sa Japan. Yung mga produkto namin ay umaabot din sa ibang lugar gaya sa Taguig, Batangas, at Cavite,” he said.
The baskets are also being sold at Kultura Filipino, a store that champions sustainable and local products by small businesses. This was made possible through the Taglay Pinoy program, an initiative advanced by Cong. Christopher “Toff” De Venecia. “Tangkilikin pa sana nila yung mga ganitong local na produkto. Hindi porke may mga iron baskets na tayo, mas maganda pa rin na mai-preserve natin ang kultura natin. Kasi itong mga baskets na ito, maganda rin ang quality,” Sibayan said.
Sibayan Handictafts is located at Brgy. Lipit Sur, Manaoag, Pangasinan. For orders and inquiries, contact Christian Sibayan at 0915-868-1785.
By Rahndal Rico/Dagupan City