Miagao begins modernization of heritage pottery industry production

POTTERY MAKING. Kiln maker and pottery trainer, Richard Lacsi guides Mel Joy Fajaro in molding clay on a potter’s wheel while Barangay Cagbang’s Secretary, Guia Ferrer observes the process. This was part of their week-long training for the local pottery makers. Photo byLouangelJei Benjamin

The heritage pottery industry of Miagao has taken a step towards a modernized production of their clay products in order to preserve their industry.

Pottery making in Barangay Cagbang, Miagao, has been passed down from generations to generations, which resulted in its current status as a centuries-old industry.

Cagbang’s Barangay Secretary, Guia Ferrer, however stated that despite the longevity, there is now a need to secure and boost their heritage.

She added that the pottery makers are getting older as time goes by and it is getting harder for them to continuously produce clay products out of old practices.

The introduction of new means of production to the local potters of Cagbang will help them in preserving their pottery tradition.

“Before, ang ila nga ginahimo paagi lang sa kalan t subong manami nga may ara sila sang bago nga paagi sang paghimo kay para magimprove man sila sa different and innovative designs. So, maganda siya kasi may continuing process para sa ila nga heritage”, said kiln maker and pottery trainer, Richard Lacsi. 

To introduce the modernization of production in Cagbang, the local government unit (LGU) of Miagao has implemented the Cagbang Pottery Development Plan (CPDP).

“We have talked with mayor kay gusto nya ma-develop ang mga heritage industry sa Miagao, so nakita niya ang pottery sang Cagbang and damu siya plans for the industry that is why ginpa-layout niya kami sang development plan,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Officer in Miagao, Dindo Nemiada said.

The CPDP will provide new equipment along with training, and lessons on marketing strategies.

Cagbang Pottery Development Plan

The implementation CPDP was spearheaded by a week-long training to the local potters for the improvement of the production of their clay products.

The right classification of clay needed for production of clay products is present in Cagbang which is why their potential for making and producing clay products is sustainable. 

“Sa Cagbang kasi complete sila, they have the red clay which can be used for brick production and pwede ma-sun or air dry. Meron din silang black clay nga damo man pwede product na maubra kag mamala through air-drying,” Kiln maker and pottery trainer, Richard Lacsi said.

Lacsi emphasized the importance of having the presence of good raw material which is why he started the training through clay hunting. 

“Indi sila aware sang mga bagay parihus sang proper classification sang clay nga ara sa ila. Amu na nga pagka-first day gid dayon, nagclay hunting kami. Tapos gintudluan ko sila sang mas madasig nga way of molding and iban nga pag-decorate sang clay products nila” said Lacsi.

Aside from the training, new equipment such as a potter’s wheel and kneading machine will also be provided through the allotted budget of Php250, 000 in CPDP.

“So far may ara na di sang potter’s wheel kag ginapa-master ko na sila sa paggamit sang sina kay amu gid na siya ang pinakadasig nga makaproduce sang products of quantity and quality. Next nga i-provide is ang kneading machine,” said Lacsi.

Marketing strategies will also be taught to the potters of Cagbang.

“We will also have training for marketing like how to find sang market and expansion of their products,” Nemiada said.

Barangay Secretary Guia Ferrer said that the accreditation of the Cagbang Potters Association is also underway to address their once lack of unity in the barangay.

“Subong, gasugod na kami meeting para matagaan na formal na pag-organize sang mga potters kag kung paano kami maging bridge between the LGU kag sa mga resident potters diri sa Cagbang kay para ma-fulfill ang mga gusto namun i-implement na projects sa dasun nga mga tinuig,” said Ferrer.

The potters of Cagbang are willingly cooperating to fulfill the plan.

“May ara na dayon sang 29 potters nga nag-attend sang training and makita gid nga everyone is active and that is a way of preserving the pottery industry,” Lacsi added.

Nemiada said that the implementation of the CPDP is the start of the two-year running research and development plan on Cagbang’s traditional pottery village.Louangel Jei Benjamin, Hannah Britanico/University of tge Philippines Visayas