The Culture of Mat Weaving

“Paglara” is a Filipino term which means to weave and weaving has always been an integral part of Filipino culture and livelihood. That is why last Saturday, May 25, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) initiated the “Paglara (To Weave): A Banig Exhibit” at the SM City Cebu.

The week-long exhibit features hand woven mats or “banig” made by residents of the municipality of Basey in Samar.

Prof. Joycie Alegre, one of the organizers of the exhibit, said that mat weaving is a complicated process. The weavers use hardy grass or “tikog” to make the mats.

Due to its intricate designs, more or less five people are needed to make the mats. Each weaver is assigned a particular section of the mat and once they are done weaving, they then integrate each section according to the design. Through the exhibit, Prof. Alegre hopes that people won’t just associate hand woven mats just for sleeping but also for decorative design.

NCCA Sub Commission Officer Fr. Harold Rentoria, OSA, said that they hope to provide training for young people in the craft of mat weaving. He also shared that the exhibit is just one of the many activities lined up for the National Heritage Month.