Philippine E-Journals

EXPLORING ETHNOSCIENCE IN HABLON WEAVING OF MIAGAO AS CONTEXT FOR A CULTURALLY RELEVANT SCIENCE EDUCATION

Edsel O Coronado | Mae Angeline T Tajolosa | Kathleen D Subong | Janice Irene T Noble | Sharon Rose F Famanila | Pelagio M Muyong Jr | Bema Rita Diesto | Rey Jay N Palmos

Discipline: education and teaching

 

Abstract:

Miagao’s Hablon weaving traditions shape pride, joy, opportunities, and honor in their weaving communities. This paper explored and examined the science concepts of the hablon weaving traditions as a context for culturally relevant science education. Three hablon weavers were selected from each hablon center in the municipality of Miagao, Iloilo, Western Visayas, Philippines. The data was collected using anthropological tools such as memory banks, field notes, journals, and interview guide questions. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Hablon is a vivid and creative product that is a source of pride for the people of Miagao. Making the hablon is a complex process. Patience, a good hand pulse, and coordinated foot and hand motions are required. Core materials, tools and equipment, and procedural procedures are all factors to consider while creating a hablon. A Hablon weave takes about two hours to prepare, including planning, preparing the loom and threads, handloom weaving, and warping the threads. Science principles like the center of gravity, equilibrium, the string’s tension, force, stress and strain, tensile strength, and climatic and weather factors that impact the stability of the thread are all visible in the Hablon weaving process. Weavers strive tirelessly to maintain the tradition and carry on the elders’ tradition by encouraging the youth to participate and learn the ways of hablon weaving.