In Bangar, La Union, where waves crash on the shores, another craft has been weaving its own story of resilience—De Castro’s Loom Weaving. Amidst the modern buzz surrounding the province, this loom-weaving establishment stands as a guardian of tradition.
During a recent NLEX Lakbay Norte trip, we had the privilege of meeting Lydia Blanco, the seasoned weaver who epitomizes the enduring spirit of De Castro’s. At 84 years old, Lydia has dedicated over five decades to this art, becoming the oldest weaver in the factory.
Despite the toll on her body from sitting all day, Lydia perseveres, her hands creating intricate designs on the wooden contraption that is central to De Castro’s weaving process. As one of the few weavers left, she has taken on the role of a teacher, passing on her wealth of knowledge to the next generation.
Lydia, who suffers from diabetes, managed to send all nine of her children to school through the income earned from weaving. Her story encapsulates the importance of this craft, not just as an artistic expression but as a lifeline for families and communities.
De Castro’s, since the 1950s, has woven its way into the culture of La Union. While modern machinery might tempt others, the loom weavers at De Castro’s tread a different path. Using the age-old wooden contraption, they craft designs that embody the essence of the province.
The looming uncertainty of De Castro’s future lies in the aging hands that weave its legacy. The wooden contraption, with pedals and strings manipulated with a skill honed over the years, remains irreplaceable. The products showcase a unique fusion of tradition and artistry, a feature that modern technology struggles to replicate.
As Blanco and the other weavers in La Union continue to weave their story, it becomes clear that the importance of this craft extends beyond the intricacies of design. It’s a tale of resilience, community, and the timeless art of weaving that refuses to budge, even in the face of change.
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