Day 2 of Workshop on "Inventory and Safeguarding Plan for Intangible Cultural Heritage of Abaca Fiber Crafts" conducted

The Day 2 of the NCCA-funded workshop entitled “ Inventory and Safeguarding Plan for Intangible Cultural Heritage of Abaca Fiber Crafts” was successfully held on December 11, 2025 at Catanduanes University. This is the continuation of the Day 1 of the workshop held on November 6, 2025 at the same venue. The workshop was postponed because of the onslaught of typhoon Wuhan. The workshop was participated by abaca crafts makers, abaca farmers, government agencies that caters to the development of the abaca industry, promotion and value-adding of abaca and youth, mostly CatSU students.

The workshop Director, Dr. Allan Popa, a renowned writer and advocate of cultural heritage, provided meaningful insights on appreciating the hard work of abaca farmers or abacaleros and the cultural and artistic contribution of abaca fiber crafts makers. Prof. Francis Tatel and Ms. Ma. Gina Cecilia P. Elegado, ably facilitated and encouraged active interactions among the more than 50 participants for each day.

An exhibit that portrays on the stories of selected abaca fiber crafts makers in Catanduanes and their work was set up. The project also documented abaca production and processing into abaca fibers and various crafts.

A safeguarding plan was formulated by youth participants out of the inputs provided by various speakers and everyone signed on a commitments to protect and promote abaca fiber industry and the development of various high-value products and crafts, and more importantly preserve the intangible heritage.