Bohol raffia weavers expect stronger global demand for Philippine-made products after coming up with new design patterns to be offered to exporters.

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), through its Business Accelerator and Materials Innovation project that aims to innovate the weaving centers in Bohol, conducted materials research and development program for new patterns.

ECCP Materials Research and Development  roject Manager Ingrid Haufe said the organization is presently assisting raffia weavers in developing new design patterns and mixed media applications based on the latest trends.

She said weavers use recycled materials such as newspapers and old plastic twine with raffia in mixed media applications.

They also use other indigenous materials like buri and abaca in incorporating the new designs. Innovation of Bohol’s weaving centers is a seven-month project of the ECCP and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Central Visayas which began in January this year.

The project is geared to assist raffia weavers in the province, particularly in the enhancement of their skills and making better designs. (dateline/DTI)