Paglalala o Alaala: Continuing the Legacy of Pandan Weaving in Cavinti, Laguna

Abstract

Pandan plays a crucial part in the lives of the people of Cavinti, especially elderly women. It is a livelihood, and a local tradition that binds the Cavinti community. However, in recent years, the younger generation show little to no interest in paglalala. With the pandan weavers aging and dying, there is no generation to inherit and continue the paglalala tradition in Cavinti. Hence, there is a strong probability that pandan weaving may no longer be pursued in the future. As such, this research aims to (1) explore the significance of pandan weaving as a tangible heritage of the people of Cavinti, Laguna; (2) identify the factors that contributed to the decline in interest in pandan weaving among the young Cavintiins; (3) find ways to restore or bring back interest in pandan weaving through collaborative efforts of local leaders, pandan weaver organizations, and people of Cavinti, Laguna; and (4) project the future of pandan weaving industry in Cavinti, Laguna. A purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit participants. In total, five female Cavintiins participated in the study. Using a thematic analysis, the researcher was able to identify the themes on the dataset. On the first objective, the resulting themes include: (1) pandan weaving as women's livelihood; and (2) as a tradition and pride of Cavinti community. On the second objective, the themes are: lack of exposure at a young age led to unfamiliarity with pandan weaving; (2) pursuing a different career and interest as hindrance to learn pandan weaving; (3) decline in interest in pandan weaving: attachment to technology; and (4) pandan weaving is not a necessity anymore to the majority. On the third objective, the themes the resulting themes are: (1) restoring interest in pandan weaving: the role of the local government; (2) fostering interest in pandan weaving: the role of the pandan weaver organizations; (3) stimulating interest in pandan weaving: the role of the people of Cavinti, Laguna, and (4) collaborative efforts between Cavintiins to foster appreciation of the local tradition. On the fourth objective, the themes include: (1) lack of efforts to preserve the tradition will inevitably lead to death of pandan weaving, and (2) an optimistic future for the pandan weaving industry in Cavinti, Laguna. Results of the study will be of great help to the Filipino citizens and government as it offers perspectives on culture preservation. This may also aid future researchers in investigating how to deal with the threat of losing these local traditions.