Roadmap of the Inabëģ Weaving Industry: The One Town, One Product (OTOP) Program of Buhi, Camarines Sur

Abstract

This study examined the status of the Inabëģ weaving industry in Buhi, Camarines Sur, identified its vision, constraints, opportunities, and assessed the existing and possible programs for the industry. It aimed to develop a proposed Inabëģ Weaving Industry Roadmap aligned with the OTOP Program. A qualitative-descriptive design was used, with data from interviews with government agencies, academic institutions, and LGU Buhi; focus group discussions; and documents, which were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the Inabëģ, which was known as hinabol and rebranded in 2023, remains a significant cultural and economic activity. Moreover, it offers traditional and advanced weave designs across the wearables and homestyle categories, with local and national marketing. Key constraints include limited and costly raw materials, dependence on middlemen, labor-intensive production, declining youth interest, lack of marketing skills, low brand visibility, lack of standardized design and pricing, and insufficient capital. Despite these challenges, there were several opportunities, such as local fiber availability, potential for direct suppliers, mechanization, product development support, digital market expansion, integration into the tourism plan, access to financing, and institutional partnerships. Findings indicate that most active support programs were administered by government agencies, while others have no current projects in Inabëģ but can offer potential support. Academic institutions contribute through research and development, and marketing support. The proposed roadmap outlines the industry’s status, desired future state, and strategies to become an innovative, globally recognized weaving sector that preserves cultural heritage and empowers weavers.