NEWSFEATURE: Lowly bayong regains fame with a vengeance

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The traditional bayong, which is eco-friendly and durable for use as grocery bag and more.

 

By REY M NASOL

LEGAZPI CITY: In the early 1980s the use of indigenous bags started to wane when the more durable plastic and its related products took its place in the commerce of man.

But the next time you see somebody use a bayong, take a closer look! That person must be in, once again.

In the recently concluded Market Week Philippines, a Bayong special setting featured the Best of Bayong from all over the country, which means all the regions that are into Bayong development will showcase three of their best bayong.  

Region 5, or Bicol, being the bayong champion featured the three best bayong products each per province.

The regions under the program include the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Southern Mindanao, and SOCCSKSARGEN.

The Bayong special setting tells us that bayong has evolved from traditional to high end.

It has evolved into various kinds and designs. From bayong pamalengke, pang opisina, pang eskwela to bayong pang fashionista.

With product development, new markets, both domestic and international, are within reach.

Why Bayong? Natural resources like karagumoy, pandan, buri, bacbac, abaca, tikog, sabutan, and romblon abound in the countryside.

It also conveys the green advocacy by making a shift in the use of the traditional, non-biodegradable plastic materials to the use of eco-friendly raw materials.

“The program, indeed, contributes significantly to the local economy aside from its role in protecting and preserving the environment. 

 

Another surprising evolution of the lowly "bayong" - fashioned from candy wrappers.

“The Bayong Development Program was conceptualized with the two-fold benefit of boosting the economy and diminishing ecological imbalance,” Blanco explained.

Market Week Philippines, a trade fair and showground of home, food, and fashion products from all the regions of the country was held at the MegaTrade Halls of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City from Sept. 19-23. – Bicol Mail