Improved terra-cotta production, specifically bricks, will soon commence in Antique as efforts to revive this trade went full gear in the second half of 2019.
This is being realized through an initiative by the Office of Rep. Loren B. Legarda of the Lone District of Antique, who is also the Deputy Speaker of the House. The Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) was tapped to implement the project.
The P20-million project intends to provide technical and technological assistance for upgrading community-based terra-cotta production facilities in the municipalities of Tibiao and Sibalom in Antique.
Primarily, the technical assistance focuses on introduction of appropriate ceramic production techniques, acquisition and use of modern equipment, and installation of production facilities suitable to the needs of beneficiaries, and other existing terra-cotta producers in the area.
The project aims to promote quality brick production, and achieve high productivity among producers in the province.
The project started rolling in August when a team from DOST-ITDI, led by Technological Services Division chief Nelia C. Florendo, met with terra-cotta producers in Tibiao and Sibalom.
Together with their counterparts in DOST Region 6, led by Asst. Regional Director Abraham Fabila, the team conducted on-site inspection in August and September to assess the needs of the processors/beneficiaries, and identify ways on how to upgrade their current facility and processes.
They explored also, the possibility of installing new equipment and providing new skills through an advance course on brick and pottery making. As well, a series of consultative meetings with the various stakeholders to plan out implementation were conducted.
Thus, on October 14, 2019, a ceremonial signing of agreement among the stakeholders led by DOST-ITDI was held at the University of Antique.
Participants included the heads and representatives of DOST Region 6, Departments of Trade and Industry, and of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 6, the local government of Sibalom, and local potters association in Manugkoron.
A six-day skills training was held for some 32 members of two cooperatives and other local pottery producers from the municipalities of Sibalom, Tibiao and Bari.
A total of 28 moulds were produced and used to generate 70 green wares ready for firing.
Hopefully with this interventions, which are all based on previous DOST-ITDI research and development, livelihood for the people of Antique can be generated and help improved lives of communities especially the terra cotta producers.
S&T Media Service with reports from NAGanotisi & RAllarde, TSD