Buntal hat

It is traditionally worn by farmers working in the fields and was a major export of the Philippines in the first half of the 20th century.

Its main centers of production are Baliwag, Bulacan, and (historically) Sariaya and Tayabas in Quezon Province.

The base of the stem is skinned and the exposed fiber beaten with a bolo blade until they are separated into bundles.

[4] Originally, buntal hats were primarily produced in the towns of Sariaya and Tayabas, due to the buri palm plantations in Quezon Province.

Buntal hat production in Baliuag was further enhanced by Dolores Maniquis who softened the fibers through the use of a wooden roller known as an iluhan.

Having acquired the weaving process, they then began to mass-produce balibuntal hats using buntal fibers imported from the Philippines.

This affected the local industry to such an extent that Representative Antonio Villarama tried to pass a bill to ban the export of buntal fiber (though it failed).

[4] Because of competition from Chinese factories, the buntal hat industry waned until the 1960s when it was again revived by the Villones family from Sariaya, Quezon.

[4] The industry, however, is once again in danger of extinction due to the growing lack of skilled workers and the declining demand.

The government of Baliuag has been taking measures to promote buntal hats to the local market.

She sells raw buntal fiber to the inmates, and buy back finished hats.