Bulua pottery trade faces shortage of potters - Emano

COUNCILOR Yevonna Yacine B. Emano, on Monday, manifested that the main problem of the pottery business in Barangay Bulua is the lack of artists in sustaining the said craft.

“Kulang na ilang artist. Kulang na ang gahimo kay handmade man gayud siya. Actually, naa sila’y program every Sunday nga kon wala ko masayop, and price is ₱2,500 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, motudlo sila”, said Councilor Emano.

The lady councilor said this, during the regular session presided over by City Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, in reaction to the special report of Councilor Joyleen Mercedes L. Balaba on the importance of preserving the pottery trade in the said barangay.

It was learned that Bulua residents have successfully sustained their cultural legacy by handing down the art of pottery-making in their area.

Councilor Emano emphasized that the lack of skilled workers in the pottery industry has been hindering the full potential of local potters.

“Actually, one of the problems of Cagayan de Oro is the skills of our old Kagay-anons. Nawala na, kay ang atong mga batan-on dili na interested (and) skilled sa atong mga karaan nga mga tawo,” she pointed out.

While expressing her support to the proposal of Councilor Balaba, Councilor Emano added that the matter should also be referred to the Committee on Trade and Commerce chaired by Councilor George Goking for further study.

For her part, Vice Mayor Rodriguez also said these potters need to collaborate together so that they can be provided with financial support from government agencies.

After thorough discussion, the proposal of Councilor Balaba was referred to the City Council Committees on Tourism, Cooperatives, and Trade and Commerce, respectively chaired by Councilors Jay R. Pascual, Kenneth John D. Sacala, and Councilor Goking for appropriate action.