BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
The project involves the production of handwoven silk fabric by the ABAI Weavers of Languindingan, Misamis Oriental, beneficiaries of the Ayala Foundation Inc. Both basic and advanced handloom weaving technologies were introduced and transferred to the beneficiaries through a series of on-site trainings.

The technology on Silk Handloom Weaving was introduced to ABAI Weavers in mid 2001 by the Department of Science and Technology-10 (DOST-10) through the initiation of the Misamis Oriental – Cagayan de Oro Federation of Cooperatives (MCFEDCO). The latter had a tie-up livelihood program with the Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI), the benefactor of ABAI Weavers.

Initially, twelve (12) women were trained on basic handloom weaving that eventually became trainers for the other women-beneficiaries. The continued home-based training supported by AFI increased the number of skilled weavers to a total of 30 weavers at present.

To further enhance the capability and competitiveness of ABAI Weavers, additional trainings on Advance Handloom Weaving and Designing were also conducted. These include technologies on loom setting, design interpretation, advance and “suk-suk” weaving. These series of technical assistance enable ABAI Weavers to produce what is now known as Mindanao and Laguindingan Silk that are used by renowned fashion designers in fashion shows and featured in fashion magazines. Since the start of the weaving activities in 2001 until the 1st quarter of 2003, ABAI weavers produced a total of 9,000 meters pure handwoven silk fabric, which generates a gross income of not less than P1.35 million.

Mindanao and Laguindingan Silks were the first pure handwoven silk fabrics that were ever produced locally in Mindanao, particularly in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental. Aside from the full cooperation of the ABAI Weavers, the success of the project was attained through the support and concerted efforts of MCFEDCO, AFI, TESDA-10, DTI-10, PTRI and DOST-10.