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[av_heading heading=’25 San Jose inmates learn to weave ‘nito’’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”][/av_heading]
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SAN JOSE, Antique – Twenty-five inmates at San Jose District Jail are undergoing training on nito weaving.
The skills they will learn are “not seasonal” and “could last several generations,” according to a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) official.
The DTI, through Senior Trade Industry Specialist Arlene Galopo, introduced the skill subject for the training from Nov. 16 to 25.
Judith Infante, president of the Alegre Nito Weavers’ Association in Barangay Alegre, Sebaste town, is the trainer.
Nito weaving is “the skill I learned way back in college,” Infante said. “[It] gave me livelihood that allowed me to send my three children to college.”
Most inmates, even those who were not enlisted, believe they can use the skill for livelihood when they get released.
Jail Officer II Leah Oberio, an inmate welfare and development officer, told the 25 their participation “could be a plus point in their good conduct time allowance.”
Superintendent Jhon Montero, jail warden, thanked the trainer and the DTI for choosing San Jose District Jail.
“This is the first skills training [held at the jail] since I assumed the post,” said Montero. “I am positive the participants will actively learn and master the skill.”
Nito weaving is a “sustainable livelihood,” Galopo said.
“Its market is not scarce,” she said. “Filipinos, known to love celebrating grand occasions and giving gifts to visitors, need nito byproducts like small baskets, plates, and wall décors and souvenirs.”
Nito is also an export product. Abundant in Sebaste, nito and its byproducts are the town’s “One Town, One Product.”
There will be another batch of trainees, said Galopo.
The DTI-Antique allotted P120,000 for the materials, trainer’s fee and food for the participants.
Montero said Bureau of Jail Management and Penology regional director Rex Delarmente will come over on the last day of the training to see how the inmate-trainees made use of their skills. (PNA)
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