The Art of Mat Weaving: The Jama Mapun Weavers of Oring-Oring, Brooke's Point, Palawan

 ART OF MAT WEAVING: The Jama Mapun Weavers of Oring-Oring, Brooke’s Point, Palawan

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

The municipality of Brooke’s Point is a first class town located at the south-eastern portion of the province of Palawan. It is approximately 215 kilometers from Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan. Comprising 18 barangays, the municipality of Brooke’s Point is known as the province’s “food basket”. One of these Barangays is Barangay Oring-Oring.

I was born and raised in Barangay Oring-Oring and have early on learned about the magnificent art of mat weaving. Being deeply rooted in our community, I have grown fondness for these colorful works of Jama Mapun women of our barangay. The intricate designs, vibrant colors, the softness of work, and the dedication of the weavers amazed me and still amazes me each time I see their works.

The livelihood of the people in Barangay Oring-Oring is mostly coconut farming and fishing. Out in the sea or in the farm lands are the men while the women stay at home tending for their children and family’s needs. Being a Muslim community, there is a strict observance of the teachings of their religion, one of these is the fact that women should not be the one working for the family. Given this situation, one can easily understand the fact that most families in Barangay Oring-Oring are poor and do not have a permanent source of income.

Recently, a multi-purpose hall was constructed to house the handwoven mats of Jama Mapun women. People who love art will surely find themselves surreal when they see a “tipo”. I find a lot of potential for the handwoven mats of Oring-Oring. By creating a social enterprise for them, the Jama Mapun women will surely have a good livelihood which would help them and their families financially.

DESCRIPTION OF PRODUCT

Originally from Mindanao, pandan mat weaving is a tradition being practiced by the Jama Mapun group that resettled in this municipality a long time ago. Passionately piecing together this outstanding work of art is a skill they have mastered for decades after learning it from their mothers. They call their work “tipo” or mat. The sophistication and intricateness of each mat is meticulously handwoven by a Jama Mapun weaver for at least 15 to 30 days. The duration usually depends on the design, volume of orders, availability of weavers, and availability of raw materials.

The raw materials mainly used are dried pandan leaves and coloring dye. The processing of dried pandan leaves takes a longer time during the rainy season. Weaving usually extends to more than 30 days during the rainy season. 

The designs are all made by the Jama Mapun women. They conceptualize the design and come up with eye-pleasing designs.

BENEFITS TO STAKEHOLDERS

1. Jama Mapun Weavers

As Muslim women, they will be empowered members of their community knowing that they can provide a good source of income for their family even though they are working at home tending for their family's needs. As the main actors in this social enterprise, these women can be a good example of hardworking women which can entice other members of their community to learn the art of mat weaving.

2. Barangay Oring-Oring

The local government unit will be known for this art craft. The members of its community will have a good source of income which will then uplift the standard of living in the community. An increase in income of the LGU might be considered given the other business opportunities might arise from this social enterprise.

3. Community

The members of the community will have a sense of improvement. They will feel that through this social enterprise, they can contribute to the development of Barangay Oring-Oring. This is important for them to discover their self-worth.

VALUE PROPOSITION

This social enterprise will benefit the Jama Mapun and other Muslim women in Barangay Oring-Oring by providing them a source of livelihood that will help them promote their culture, financially aid their families, and eventually uplift their standard of living.

SOURCES

Images used in this work are not mine. It belongs to Ge Caabay and can be checked using this link: https://www.facebook.com/gerald.caabay2/posts/pfbid0hcVTkXMjdzf9mzSLzkFWm2Q2xAwn3o4HWr98udzK9Hho33eS5ee8pKnzAWWgfrjZl