Mat weaving from the wild grass 'tikog' and buri leaves from wild palm trees is a Basey cultural heritage that existed even before the Spanish arrival in the Philippines. 'Banigan' was once a past time and livelihood that produced sleeping mats and eventually, other products like bags and decors. But with Supertyphoon 'Yolanda' badly affecting it, a group of mat weavers organized themselves in August 2014 into the Basey Association for Native Industry Growth, Inc. (Banig Inc.). At the height of the recovery period, many humanitarian agencies and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) provided assistance to the group which was, however, shortlived.

https://opinion.inquirer.net/166495/weaving-with-passion-growing-skills-with-banig

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