BRIDGING THE GAP
Patadyong weaving in Sta. Barbara, Igbaras, Iloilo
Patadyong weaving is one of the oldest traditional crafts in Panay. In fact, there are accounts that clearly point to the existence of this activity before the coming of the Spaniards.Iloilo, specifically, was already known as the "Textile Capital of the Philippines" by the second half of the 18th century. However, towards the last decade of the 19th century, the weaving industry in Iloilo, including the manufacture of patadyong, experienced a downward trend because of the opening of the Port of Iloilo to foreign trade in 1855. This developmentushered in cheap machine-made British clothing materials, especially from Manchester, England.
By the 20th century, only pockets of the age-old industry have remained. The decline was aggravated by the influx of textile goods from the United States and the popularity of western-style dresses. Among the few places where "patadyong" weaving has somewhat survived the onslaught of westernization and modernization is Barangay Sta. Barbara in Igbaras, Iloilo.
Barangay Sta. Barbara is located in the northern part of Igbaras. It is forty-five kilometers from the poblacion and is bounded by Barangay San Ambrosio in the north, Barangay Bagacayan in the east, the Municipality of Miag-ao in the south, and Barangay Talayatay in the west. The barangay consists of three sitios or puroks.
During the early years, most households in Sta. Barbara had their own tidal or weaving loom. Many men and women of all ages spent most of their time in weaving. Itwas essentiallya cottage industry for most families in the past. Interestingly, looms were usually placed in the kitchen so that the weavers can watch what they were cooking even while weaving. Somelooked after their children while busy with their weaving activity. Others wove just to "pass the time away". Thus, weaving was not merely engaged in as a source of income for most families but was also considered as a hobby.
Unlike in Miag-ao and other places in Panay, weaving in Igbaras is donein the houses of the weavers; thus, the people usually refer to it as "pangbalay nga industriya".Through this traditional industry, many parents have been able to generate income to help in the education of their children.Aside from the fact that the activity is a source of income, it is also a source of pride for the local inhabitants for such valuable tradition has survived through generations. However, weaving has definitely lost many of its adherents today. Agriculture is now the main livelihood of the people of Sta. Barbara.In fact, as of March 2008, only six families were still engaged in weaving., Weaving today makes use of expensive raw materials andthe pay for labor is also low.Some weavers have left the barangayand have gone to Manila and even places abroad for better work. In fact, the local folks themselves believe that the weavers are a vanishing breed since the young people are no longer interested in learning the craft. Moreover, Panay and the rest of the country are literally awash with first- and second-hand clothing materials that are relatively very cheap.
Despite the odds, there is hope that the weaving industry in Barangay Sta. Barbara will be able to survive. First of all there are tireless weavers who keep the faith of weaving burning. There are those who still admire and love the art of weaving. Also, weaving in the barangay has been diversified to include not only patadyong but shawls, placemats, pillow cases, kerchiefs and even school uniforms. in more recent times, the local government has also provided assistance through seminars to train local weavers to improve their designs and marketing skills and through sponsoring of exhibits where the locals can showcase their woven products