27/08/2026
๐ช๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ๐, ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐: ๐๐๐ช๐๐๐ขโ๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐๐ต ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ
The story of the Daligan Indigenous Weavers Agriculture Cooperative (DIWACO) began with a simple but powerful vision: to create hope and opportunity for the people of Barangay Daligan, Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur during the time of the pandemic. Originally established in 2019 as the Daligan Indigenous Weavers Association (DIWA) as a Rural Workers Association, the group emerged as a community response to limited livelihood opportunities and the need for meaningful engagement while many residents stayed at home. Through indigenous weaving, the association not only helped address economic needs but also preserved the cultural identity of the Indigenous People in the community.
In its early years, DIWA used plastic straps and bamboo as weaving materials. These were practical and accessible, allowing members to begin their craft despite limited resources. However, after an active period, the association experienced a temporary slowdown due to a lack of marketing opportunities and scarce weaving materials. Even so, the spirit of the members remained strong and their commitment to their craft never faded.
A new chapter began in early 2024 when the members started using labtang as one of their primary weaving materials. This innovation improved production, strengthened product quality and opened new market opportunities. More than just a change in material, it became a symbol of renewal, cultural authenticity and resilience. The groupโs dedication to indigenous practices was further strengthened as they continued to find ways to make their products more sustainable and valuable. Recognizing the importance of long-term growth and stability, the members decided to formalize their organization into a cooperative. In June 2025, DIWA was officially registered with the Cooperative Development Authority and was transformed into DIWACO. This milestone marked not just a legal transition but a stronger commitment to collective progress, shared responsibility and sustainable development.
As a cooperative, DIWACO expanded its goals beyond weaving. Its members sought to deepen their knowledge in marketing and business strategy, recognizing that a stronger enterprise requires both skill and vision. One of its members, Mr. Elister Tio-ac, participated in the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program of the Department of Trade and Industry-Ilocos, where he gained valuable knowledge from mentors and fellow mentees in entrepreneurship, marketing and financial management. He brought these learnings back to the cooperative, helping strengthen its business practices and inspiring the group to pursue sustainable growth and new opportunities.
In 2026, DIWACO was given another meaningful opportunity through a 3-day training on Product Diversification on Mixed Media by the Department of Trade and Industry Ilocos Sur. This training helped the members broaden their knowledge in using bamboo and labtang to create new products. The cooperative was also provided with equipment to help speed up production and improve efficiency. These support systems opened more doors for DIWACO to grow, innovate and serve more communities.
Today, DIWACO continues to uphold and preserve indigenous weaving while also expanding into the agriculture sector through the wholesale of agricultural products. By supporting local farmers and creating diversified livelihood opportunities for its members, the cooperative stands as a living example of resilience, innovation and unity.
โWe are truly grateful to DTIโIlocos Sur for its unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement. DTIโIlocos Sur has continuously helped the cooperative learn, improve its products, and develop the skills and talents of its members. Because of its support, the cooperative has grown stronger, more confident, and more capable. On behalf of all our members, thank you, DTIโIlocos Sur, for always believing in and supporting our cooperativeโ, said Mr. Tio-ac
