The Philippines is rich in biodiversity and natural materials, yet when it comes to sustainability, continuity and bringing products into market for the production process, there seem to be gaps that need to be addressed.
Sometimes, weaving communities in areas are not familiar with the raw material production process. When lack of raw materials happen, production comes to a halt and alternative ways of earning income have to be developed. Because of certain gaps or being used to certain ways of being; the creation and inspiration for new designs can also be missing and lacking.
By learning and understanding the full scope and spectrum of the production process and flow of natural materials, from planting to harvesting, to processing, to weaving and then design developing - a planning and plotting calendar can be developed in systematizing and optimizing the current yield of each farm’s harvest, into products and seasonal collections.
- Develop digital platforms and/or conversations - creating new relationships and linking the demands and needs of the natural fibber raw materials source industry within the Philippines - initially within the country, but potentially to wider markets (other regions and provinces that may need the raw materials); linking those looking for certain raw materials with those already producing (surplus or looking for market)
- Observe the cycle, growth, production capacity and yield output of these grass raw materials – pandan & ticog – as possible alternative sources of raw material for other weaving communities (in other locations) who may need additional sources
- To ensure the sustainable production of the grass / silk material needs and demands, and to help map out their production process and flow
- Assessing existing products and craft skills – recommendations for product development, design and market study based on their product and skills strength; creating, integrating and developing unique patterns and designs inspired by their location landscape, forestry, culture, heritage and history
- Craft Skill Exchange and Training Development between craft communities and partner designers
- The other possible by-products of these raw material sources and it's other uses
- Utilizing e-commerce as a tool for promotions and pre-ordering systems and structure to optimize their production flow to better meet market needs; since they are seasonal based production because of the raw material they use for weaving is also dependent on the weather and seasons; integrating technology would assist in optimizing the creation of new + customized designs and the production flow in a more sustainable setup
By mapping and creating a planning tool and new designs, we hope to achieve and create an identifiable product that speaks of the culture and landscape of where it comes from. By creating significantly signature pieces for these communities, to help further bring their products to market and for these products to truly standout in the global stage.
With this, we hope to establish strong relationships between the weavers and the farmers and designers to ensure the sustainability and most of all, the continuity of their farming to creativity production.
