17/08/2026
As the Philippines commemorates ๐๐๐๐-๐ข๐ง-๐ญ๐ก๐-๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ค, we celebrate the ingenuity of Filipino artisans through traditions that continue to shape local communities. One of these enduring legacies is the basket weaving tradition of Antequera, Bohol, long recognized as the "Cottage Industry Capital of Bohol."
The story of Antequera's basket weaving dates back to 1911, when pioneering families in Barangay Bicahan crafted the ๐๐ฎ๐ค๐๐ , a large, wide-mouthed basket woven from bamboo splits and ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ฒ or ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ง (๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐.). Designed to carry rice seedlings from seedbeds to paddies, the bukag reflected the resourcefulness of farming communities. As local commerce flourished, it evolved into the market basket, a finely crafted everyday essential commonly seen during โtaboโ or market days.
By the 1960s, the industry had grown into one of Antequera's primary sources of livelihood. Artisans expanded their range using bamboo, ๐๐๐ง๐๐๐ง (๐ซ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐), ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข (๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐), ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐จ (๐ณ๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐), and other indigenous materials. Improved techniques, professional training, and access to mechanical tools enabled locally made products to reach markets beyond Bohol, including overseas.
The craft soon spread to neighboring communities. Mag-aso became known for its harvesting hats woven from young buri leaves, while Bungahan, Angilan, Viga, Tagubaas, and Obujan specialized in mats and other woven products. By the 1990s, basket weaving had become the foundation of Antequera's local economy, with artisans producing more than 500 designs that showcased Filipino creativity, resilience, and craftsmanship.
Today, Antequera's woven products are more than functional objects. They embody generations of traditional knowledge, the sustainable use of indigenous materials, and the enduring excellence of Philippine-made products. As we observe Made-in-the-Philippines Products Week, they remind us that every handcrafted piece carries a story of culture, community, and the remarkable skill of Filipino artisans.
Photographed by Borgy Angeles for the August 2026 Issue of Vogue Philippines. TAGPI top, NERIC BELTRAN shorts, GOLDEN MONSTERA necklace and rings, and handwoven basket bag from Antequeraโs Municipal Tourism Information Center and Souvenir Shop.
