Samar to launch ‘Lara’ brand for woven mats

TACLOBAN CITY, March 5  -- The Samar provincial government will launch a brand for decorative woven mats in a bid to make indigenous products more popular in the global market.

The launching of “Lara” brand for mats is a highlight of the Expanded Tandaya Trail event on March 9 to 14, 2018 at the SM Mega Mall Fashion Hall. The activity is part of the local government’s summer tourism promotion program.

Samar tourism investment and promotion chief Brett de los Santos said on Monday that up for display are the banig (woven mats) products of Basey, Samar town.

The town is known for artistically woven decorative mats. Tourists buy these mats as souvenir items. Locals use a grass locally known as tikog in weaving products such as bags, hats, slippers accessories, wall decors, among others.

“The new brand will be showcased through a fashion show at the Mega Mall,” De los Santos said.

“By launching the Lara brand, this will elevate local products to the international market, helping alleviate poverty and promote environmental awareness in the community,” he added. “Lara” is the local term for weaving.

The provincial government will also showcase Samar’s investment potential in agriculture, tourism, energy, and other industries.

Tandaya Trail, a component of the local government’s Spark Samar campaign, brings visitors to Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge in Basey town, rock formation in Marabut town; and the Ulot River ultimate extreme boat ride in Paranas town.

The trail is considered as the spark that would start the flourishing of tourism industry in poverty-stricken Samar province.

Tandaya is the pre-Spanish name of Samar Island and the trail invites travelers looking for adventure to explore the unspoiled wonders hidden in Samar. The trail winds through the towns of Marabut, Basey, and Paranas, where islets, caves, and winding rivers are waiting to be discovered. (RTA/PNA)