Abaca Handicrafts

Abaca handicrafts or abaca handicraft is a popular small/micro business here in Bicol. In fact, you can even see many barangays in the province of Albay who seek their income primarily from abaca handicrafts. The abaca handicrafts that I know is the simple one; the abaca handicrafts that I know makes use of ‘bacbac’ or the outer skin of abaca as the main materials in weaving baskets, hampers and pillow cushions. The more advanced abaca handicrafts that can be observed in the second district of Albay and Sorsogon focus on abaca fiber and these are used to craft mats, area rugs and bags.  But I am interested more on abaca handicrafts that make use of ‘bacbac; since I know personally many friends and familes who rely on abaca handicrafts that use these materials.

Right now, abaca handicrafts near my area is showing some life after we received a minor order to craft pillow cushions made from weaved abaca materials. I believe that these products will be used as cushions on sofa furnitures. Thanks to this order, my friends who are involved in ‘bacba’ business and abaca handicrafts will have a somewhat profitable time this part of the year. Hoping that this can be a revival of abaca handicrafts business, no?