Nesperos, Imelda Queppet

Abstract:Assuming a phenomenological stance that adopted an inductive approach (Creswell, 1998) and descriptive phenomenology (Christensen et al. (2017), this study explored and described the lived experiences of the resident-buri weavers of San Juan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, determined the participants’ view of buri weaving, the Ilocano identity mirrored by the industry, and lexical items associated with the cultural practice. The analysis of their lived experiences revealed that the weavers have both positive and negative views of the panaglaga ti silag, representing their view of the industry and reflecting the defining Ilokano traits. Also, the narratives of the Buri weavers reflect the dynamics of their engagement in this treasured cultural practice and mirror the Ilokano traits. Government agencies and educational institutions should provide financial and technical assistance for the buri industry to continue thriving and for the weavers to keep improving their artistry and weaving skills. Through it, the silag weaving industry will continue to serve as a bridge that provides the missing link between the past, present, and future of the people in this part of the Province of Ilocos Sur. Also, 50 Ilokano buri weaving-related terminologies surfaced and were compiled in a supplementary material called Buri: Preserved Language

Keywords:narratives, culture, buri industry, experiences, Philippines/Asia