(PROFIT MAXIMIZATION IN BANIG WEAVING PRODUCTION IN NABAS, AKLAN)

Research Objectives

This study aims to achieve the following objectives:

 To maximize the profit in banig weaving production; and

 To create a linear programming model in producing banig products.

Background/Rationale/Significance

Handwoven mat, otherwise known as banig, is a renowned local product of the

Philippines. It is made of dried leaves such as bariw, buri, or pandan leaves, and it is cut into
strips and woven to make mats. However, as modernization evolves, Filipinos have been
producing products made of dried leaves aside from mats; for instance, place mats, baskets,
bags, gowns, and more. Its purpose is to be used as a sleeping or sitting mat, decoration, and
fashion. In addition, workers dyed the leaves in different colors to make them colorful and eye-
catching, or, in short, they served as a design for the products. There are many places in the
Philippines that have been making amazing and colorful banigs, and one of the places is Basey,
Samar. Samar was recognized as the Banig Capital of the Philippines in the year 2020 because
the people of Samar have been practicing and weaving mats for centuries, which contributes to
the history and culture of Samar (Tan, 2020).

Nabas in Aklan are also making different designs of banigs and other products that are
made of bariw leaves. There is a festival of bariw wherein people perform to show and exhibit
the weaving products made of bariw. With that, the weaving of bariw has become the source of
income for the people of Nabas, and it is a fast-growing industry in the municipality. Thus, the
researchers will conduct this study to maximize profit in terms of banig weaving production.
This study will help increase the income of the workers by creating a linear programming model
for producing banig products. In addition, aside from banig weavers, the Local Government Unit

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of Nabas, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of Tourism, future
researchers, and the people living in Nabas, Aklan, will benefit from this study.

Review of Related Literature

Banig, a traditional handwoven mat, is a significant part of Filipino culture and heritage.
Its intricate designs and craftsmanship have been passed down through generations, making it
a symbol of Filipino identity and artistry, Cclstaff (2020). Banig production is deeply rooted in
various regions of the Philippines, with each area showcasing its unique weaving techniques
and patterns. Banig weaving is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process that involves
meticulous attention to detail. According to Wikipedia, the material used in banig making are
natural fibers derived from local plants, such as tikog and other fibers. These fibers are carefully
stripped, dried, and dyed before being intricately woven into intricate patterns. The weaving
process can take several days to complete depending on the size and complexity of the design.
Banig has long been staple in Filipino households, serving as a versatile item for sleeping,
seating, and decoration. In recent years, banig has gained popularity beyond its traditional
uses, finding its way into fashion accessories, home décor, and even furniture. The demand for
banig has increased both domestically and internationally, with a growing appreciation for its
cultural significance and aesthetic appeal, Tugunon (2023).

Linear programming (LP) is a mathematical optimization technique that is used to find the
best solution to a problem of allocating resources when there are a set of constraints. LP is a
powerful tool that can be used to solve a wide variety of problems including scheduling
problems, production planning problems, and transportation problems, Wikipedia (nd). The
introduction of linear programming has revolutionized resource allocation and management in
various industries, including the traditional crafts sector such as banig production.

Nabas, a municipality in the province of Aklan, Philippines is known for its rich weaving
tradition, which has been passed down from generation to generation. Article from the
Provincial Government of Aklan stated that, the town’s weavers are skilled in creating a variety
of products from bariw, a native palm leaf. These products, which are known for their durability
and beauty, are a major source of income for many Nabasnon families. The most common
bariw products are bags, mats, and hats. However, weavers also create a variety of other
items, such as baskets, slippers, and home décor. Bariw products are typically made in natural
colors, but they can also be dyed to create a wider range of shades. According to Guia (2012),

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there is an annual celebration in Nabas which is the Bariw Festival that showcases the town’s
weaving tradition. The festival is held every May 12 to 25 in honor of Saint Isidore the Farmer,
the town’s patron saint. During the festival, there are a variety of events, including a parade,
street fair, and weaving competition. Overall, the weaving tradition of Nabas, Aklan is beautiful
and important part of town’s culture. The Bariw Festival is a wonderful way to celebrate this
tradition. Weaving is not only a source of income for many Nabasnon families, but it is also a
way of life. The future of weaving in Nabas is bright, and the town’s weavers are sure to
preserve their rich tradition for many years to come.

Research Procedure/Methodology

The researchers will use the experimental research design to optimize the profit in the
production of banig. This is to analyze the optimized result for profit maximization for banig
weavers. The process will involve data gathering on banig sizes and designs, material costs,
quantity of available materials per day, duration process (per size and per design), availability
of time for weavers, and the prices of products.

The target population of this study is the banig weavers in Nabas, Aklan, as the town is
known for this product. Because of the numerous weavers, the researchers will choose the
respondents in Barangay Laserna, as it is one of the barangays with a large number of banig
weavers. The non-probability sampling method will be used to select the respondents for the
study, specifically the convenience sampling method, where participants will be chosen based
on their availability and willingness to participate in the study. A survey will be conducted by the
researchers to gather data for the optimization process.

There are four important components of linear programming that must be identified by
the researchers. These are decision variables, objective functions, constraints, and non-
negativity restrictions. With this, it can construct a model and come up with a solution and
result with the use of the simplex method. The simplex method is used when there are several
constraints expressed as inequalities. Linear Programming software or Microsoft Excel software
will be used to statistically calculate and analyze the collected data.

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References:

Amazona et al., (2020). Samar solon seeks dev’t for ‘banig’ industry.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1114605

Cclstaff (2020). Banig: Weaving Tradition and Art | Banig: Sining at Tradisyon ng Paghabi.
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/blogs/post/banig/

Guia, J. (2012). Nabas Bariw Festival. https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Nabas-

Bariw-Festival

Provincial Government of Aklan. Nabas, The Priceless Experience.

https://aklan.gov.ph/tourism/nabas/

Republic of the Philippines: Province of Aklan. (n.d.). Nabas, The Priceless Experience.
https://aklan.gov.ph/tourism/nabas/

Reyes, R. (2020). Basey town to become PH’s official ‘banig’ capital.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/amp/story/tacloban/local-news/basey-town-to-become-
phs-official-banig-capital

Tugonon, C.G. (2023). Threads of Tradition: Uncovering the Timeless Craftsmanship of Badian’s
Banig Weavers. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/lifestyle/threads-of-tradition-
uncovering-the-timeless-craftsmanship-of-badians-banig-weavers

Wikipedia. Banig. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banig

Wikipedia. Linear Programming. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear_proramming