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George Rafael Villo

Intercultural Communications and Teaching

Mrs. Heather Spanogle

April 11, 2023

The Filipino “Bayong”

The Filipino “bayong” is a traditional woven bag made from materials such as dried

leaves or fibers. The materials used vary by province or place. Some use pandan leaves, buri,

abaca, and many more – all of which are native to the country. Basically, it is used as a market or

grocery bag in the Philippines.

There are a lot of rituals that could be associated with this object. As I said, it is used as a

kind of a shopping bag. For examples are “Fiestas,” Christmas, birthdays, graduation celebration,

wedding celebration, or when you just want to feed the whole village.

As we can see, this particular object is very important in the Filipino culture. The bayong

also symbolize a lot of values or cultural values that represents us, Filipinos:

1. Resourcefulness and creativity – as you can see this is made from various natural

resources found in the local environment. This also shows how Filipino artisans

could turn something ordinary, a leaf for example, into something beautiful and

functional, the bayong.

2. Sustainability – the bayong is very eco-friendly. I advocate using this instead of

plastic bags that harm the environment. Save the turtles and polar bears.

3. Community and Tradition – The bayong has been a part of Filipino culture from

many generations and is often made by local artisans or weavers. How it is used
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in important occasions shows the value of community and tradition in the

Philippines.

4. Practicality and versatility – this bag is something you can carry everywhere. You

can also put anything into it, from fresh produce, even your personal belongings.

Its durability and functionality make this a reliable choice for everyday use. Also,

this is very fashionable.

When it comes to biblical truths, although of course, not directly mentioned in the Bible

since there are no bayong there yet, the principles that the bayong symbolizes can be related to

biblical truths.

• Stewardship – God called us to take good care of the earth and its resources. As

stewards of God’s creation, we are called to use resources responsibly and

sustainably. *Genesis 1:28

• Community – We are called to love and serve one another, and as it turns out, the

bayong is used to meet the needs of others. *Matthew 22:37=40

• Creativity and resourcefulness – God gave people skills and abilities for creative

work, as shown in bayong’s woven design. Also, we are made in the image of God,

this means that we have the ability to use our creativity to serve others and glorify

God.