SAN JOSE, Antique – Farmers in the upland areas of the province were encouraged to conserve raw materials such as “nito,” “buri” and “bariw” which are grown wild in the forests.
Arlene Galopo, senior development specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry-Antique, said on Wednesday there is a growing demand for those local materials due to the shift of biodegradable packaging items from usual plastic.
“Our display of bags and other items made of nito (lygodium), buri and bariw (pandan) at the Artisans Village during the Manila Fame last Oct. 17-19 really attracted many exporters,” Galopo added.
She said the baskets made of nito, a slender fern that twines; buri, the most common palm found in the country with fan-shaped leaves; and other fancy articles made of bariw, known to be a sturdy raw material, attracted visitors including numerous exporters, importers and specialty shop owners.
“The nine local producers from Antique who participated in the event were able to generate a total sale of about P7.5 million,” she added.
Galopo said some exporters are currently negotiating with local producers for items such as bags, baskets and housewares, among others that are made of the local raw materials.(With a report from PNA/PN)
