The traditional basket of the indigenous people from the southern part of Palawan known as “Tingkop” gets a new look, style, and color in a bid of government agencies to revive and increase the demand of this nearly extinct handicraft.
“We initiated to revive the artistry skill of this traditional basket through training and workshop with aims to help the indigenous people living in Bataraza mountains of livelihood sustenance as additional income to their families, preserve the technology and process, and to avoid the rampant slash and burn (kaingin) at the mountains that may cause further harm to eco-rich forest and residents,” said by Mr. Junaide Dawili, a tourism officer of Bataraza town.
The collaboration and partnership was initiated by Bataraza Tourism Office with Bambuhay, and the Department of Trade and Industry.
The resurgence of the basket industry in the south is supported by JCI Puerto Princesa Oil as part of its strategic plan for community development program.
The local organization held exhibits of Tingkop basket at a café, restaurant, resort, and a shopping mall with a cultural show and basket weaving activity in Puerto Princesa City to help in reintroducing the handicraft and heritage.
The local organization aims to raise awareness regarding the importance of intangible cultural heritage such as “Tingkop” basket and ensure to get support from the tourism industry and the public for the success of the project thru product demo and expo.
“Tingkop” is a type of Palawan traditional basket made by the “Palaw’an tribe”. It is one of the unique heritage art and craft that is considered original in Palawan and mostly seen in the mountains of the south.
“It is made from soft woven strips of “buldong”, “binsag” and “busnig” varieties of bamboo, held together by a rattan frame which gives it shape and provides sturdiness,” according to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
The unrelenting act of slash and burn in the mountains can cause massive forest-fire if not prevented. The LGU of Bataraza extended its assistance to the indigenous people by farming of the bamboo variety to be used as raw material for basket weaving apart from the skill training-workshop.
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