The United Group of Weavers at Dapdap (UGWAD) was organized as an SLP Association in 2018. Seventeen (17) women-members received a seed capital fund of Php 170,000.00 which refueled their commitment to grow their enterprise. As the weaving industry continued to thrive in the province of Antique, the association had an opportunity to participate in several product development trainings to make their products more competitive. They also feature their crafts in trade fairs facilitated by DTI in the province including those held in SM Megamall.

At the recent Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KnP) held in San Jose de Buenavista Antique on October 14-16, 2024 the association had an engagement with the Antique Federation of Cooperatives Inc. (AFFCUI) through an initial order of 100 gift bags with the prospect of becoming a regular supplier. Additional sales was also generated from an individual living in Australia for bags and wallets which she hopes to showcase there. UGWAD has been a consistent top grosser in terms of Sales among the SLPAs who participate during the Kadiwa ng Pangulo events held monthly since April of this year in the province of Antique.

UGWAD continues to introduce contemporary designs. Aside from mats, they have expanded their product line to include fashionable bags, pencil cases, wallets, placemats and wine holders.

With the renewed commitment of the members, they hope to become a pillar of the local weaving community in order to showcase the artistry and skill of the women of Dapdap.

Flordelis Nacepo, the Association’s president has this to say: “Nagapasalamat gid kami sa DSWD sa pag tugro kanamon pina agi sa SLP kang P170,000.00 bilang dugang nga capital sa amon livelihood. Nakabulig gid dya sa pag pa ugwad pa gid kang amon parangitan-an nga ginpanubli pa namon sa amon mga kamal-aman kag dugang nga kita para sa amon mga pamilya.”

(We are grateful to SLP for providing us a seed capital of P170,000.00 in 2018. Indeed this has propelled us to greater heights – our unwavering dedication to the tradition of weaving handed down to us by our elders and a source of income for our families.”)

Terry C. Sitchon