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| Buri Palm (Corypha Elata) |
Buri (Corypha Elata) is the largest palm endemic in the Philippines. In Panay, it is abundant in Barangay Diclum, Tobias Fornier (formerly known as Dao), Antique. The busy and skillful hands of the women of Barangay Diclum capitalized on the versatility of buri palm and pursued buri weaving as a livelihood. The process of buri weaving starts when the "manugrara kang buri" strip off the large fan-shaped leaves of the buri palm. The stripped leaves are dried under the sun and colorfully dyed with different colors. The leaves will be then woven into wallets, bags and other items.
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| The members of Buri Handicraft Association, Inc. of Antique |
Barangay Diclum is loacated in the outlying areas of Tobias Fornier, Antique. This small and rural community is considered as the buri weaving capital of Antique. The elders of the weaving community established the Buri Handicraft Association, Inc. of Antique which aims to strengthen the buri weaving industry in Antique. The creative minds of the women of Barangay Diclum do buri weaving not only for the sake of gaining income but more importantly to uphold the native culture of Antique. The community may be small but the handicrafts they produce can reach local and foreign markets.
Weaving originated during pre-colonial times. This unique industry has been handed down from one generation to the other. Buri weaving is an important part of the culture and history of Tobias Fornier, Antique. This industry is already part of the identity of the inhabitants of Barangay Diclum. Buri weaving should continually be valued because of its strong historical worth.
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| Buri Handicraft Products |
Moreover, buri weaving plays a significant role in the livelihood of the women of Barangay Diclum. Buri weaving does not only highlight their rich buri palm culture but it also gives them a source of income. Buri is also endemic in Tobias Fornier so it needs to be protected by the residents and the local government. The Buri Handicraft Association, inc. (BUHAI) should receive incessant support to improve the production of buri products. Buri products are authentic and simply beautiful but more importantly these represent the native culture of Filipinos.To preserve this unique culture; there should be a collective effort from the residents and the local government.
Buri is second to coconut in being the most useful palm. Tobias Fornier is very lucky to have this rich and flexible treasure. These abundant magical treasures are turned into novelty items by the innovative hands of the women of Barangay Diclum. These items vary from coin purse and wallets to bags, mats and boxes. The designs and colors of these items also vary in color. These are sold to tourists who visit Antique. Other visitors in Antique also buy these items and make these as "pasalubong" for their loved ones and friends.
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| On the way to Tobias Fornier, Antique |
Mark's Corner
We were very lucky that we were able to explore the beauty of Antique. It was my first time in Antique and I fell in love with the place. The unique culture was fascinating. When we went to Barangay Diclum, Tobias Fornier, Antique to learn about buri weaving, I really thought that would be boring but I was wrong. The first time I tried to weave the buri strips; I never stopped until I finished one square coaster.
What was beautiful about buri weaving was the feeling of satisfaction after finishing a particular product. I really had a hard time finishing that coaster because the weaving of strips was confusing. When I was already in the bus, I realized that patience and dedication were the two most important traits a weaver should possess. I really appreciated how the women of Barangay Diclum sacrificed their time to preserve this unique culture. Among other beautiful native culture present in Antique, buri weaving was remarkable to me. That 30-minute experience felt so magical.
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| Yellow Team wins the buri weaving challenge. |
Interesting Trivia
Barangay Diclum celebrates Burihan Festival annually during their fiesta.
The Manggad Kang Antique or The Treasures of Antique Heritage Tour was made possible by the Katahum Tours. To know more about them, please check on this website: http://www.katahum.com.
For more information about the Buri Handicraft Association, Inc., here are some of the ways to contact them:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diclumtobiasfornierantique.ph
Phone: (036) 320 1434
Spread the magic of buri weaving ;)
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