Status of Abel Industry in the Province of Ilocos Sur

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the status ofthe abel industry in Ilocos Sur and investigate on the socio-economic conditions that could affect the viability of the industry. A total of 94 abel Iloko producers/weavers in the towns of Vigan, Caoayan, Bantay, Santa, and Santiago, Ilocos Sur were the respondents of this study. A questionnaire supplemented with
informal interview with the respondents was used in gathering the data. Frequencies, percentages, and means were used in the analysis of data. The average abel producer was 47 years old, finished Grade VI, and was engaged in the abel industry for 14 years. The respondents described the abel Iloko as attractively designed and colored, with improved texture, and versatile. Majority ofthe respondents couldproduce and sell thousands of table runners, hand towels, andpillow casesper week, but all the otherproducts (table covers, table napkins, blankets/bed covers, mosquito nets, dresses, furniture covers, curtains, bathrobes, uniforms, Kamisa de Tsino, andterno) - were done by order. They sold their products in their houses/weavingsites,
in market stalls, and in nearby towns. Retailers, store owners, and wholesalers bought their products.
The producers had an average monthly sales ofabel amounting to
P33,403.76 which they claimed to be on status quo for three years. The
average respondent incurred monthly expenses of P29,148.44 for materials,
P2,956.95 for wages of weavers, and P643.85 for transportation cost or a
total average monthly expense amounting to P32,749.24. This left the
average producer/weaver a monthly net income ofP654.52 from his abel
business. This was not sufficient to support an average of four dependents, hence the other members of the family sought for other sources of income such as farming, hog raising, operating a small sari-sari store, vending, peddling, and carpentry.