Women empowerment among sabutan [a fiber that is of Pandamus origin] weavers in Aurora Province, Philippines

This study was conducted in two selected study sites in Aurora province. A total of 165 respondents: 100 from San Luis, and 65 from Baler. The general objective of the study is to analyze whether sabutan weaving promoted socio-economic and political empowerment among sabutan weavers in Aurora province. The result of the study has been put forward using different methods in gathering data such as secondary and primary through survey and interview. Key informants were coordinated to reach the far flung places and was able to observed details of the production and processes involved in weaving. Immersion was done in three months and data gathered were subjected into statistical tests such as Spearman and Cramer's V. Frequencies and means were also used. Results showed distinct characteristics of weavers in Aurora province and how these affected their empowerment in different aspects, such as socio-economic and political. Also, processes in the production and management of sabutan weaving were identified as to their descriptions and specifications thereby providing a grasp of Aurora's distinct ingenuity and uniqueness in processing. Results showed significant relationships in terms of relationships between variables and empowerment such as relationship of empowerment and effectiveness of participation and management, empowerment and socio-economic and political, empowerment and perception, and empowerment and collaboration. Results showed some issues concerning the factors affecting empowerment of women weavers specifically on the issue of gender equality and development, leadership and skills development as well as capability of networking from among the stakeholders who are directly or indirectly concerned with the development of sabutan weaving livelihood. Lastly, the study have posted some gray areas possible for further studies when social interaction and development is at hand. It has accidentally found out some distinct characteristics from among the weavers worth of looking through into different lenses of development.