Ilocandia’s handicraft industry is perking up, thanks to a vine that grows naturally and abundantly in the region.
In fact, a 10-hectare plantation of the vine, locally named labtang (scientific name: Anamirta cocculus), has been established in Suyo, Ilocos Sur.
The plantation was put up by the Suyo Integrated Labtang Association of Weavers (SILAW) with the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its Community Livelihood Assistance Special Program.
The DENR-Ecosystems Research and Development Service (ERDS)-Region 1 reported that the plantation in Suyo “now serves as source of raw materials for the local weaving industry.”
Labtang is a large, woody vine with corky, gray bark and white wood. Fruits ripen in March and usually shed off at the onset of the rainy season.
“The seeds are poisonous,” DENR-ERDS warned.
Although regarded as a minor forest product, labtang has been found in DENR-ERDS research as a feasible alternative raw material to rattan and bamboo for making handicraft (bags, baskets, trays, fancy boxes, flower vases, home decors, and others). — Rudy A. Fernandez