Cabanlas vows support to Bulua potters

“What we can do is refer this to the appropriate committee first, so that we can have a concrete text of the ordinance. Then, let us invite the group (of Bulua potters), so we can hear them out and know where we can help best.”

This was the message of support of Majority Floor Leader Councilor Edgar Cabanlas on the proposed ordinance of Councilor Girlie Balaba calling for the preservation of the 20-year tradition of pottery making in Barangay Bulua.

During the 20th City Council’s regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, Balaba pointed out that the pottery industry in Bulua is not only an economic activity but also a representation of the rich cultural heritage of the barangay which can potentially elevate the stature of Cagayan de Oro City as one of the pottery capitals in the Philippines.

The industry, however, is fraught with several challenges such as the lack of marketing and modern technology, she opined.

Through the proposed ordinance, the lady councilor seeks to sustain the decades-long legacy of pottery in Bulua through conservation efforts and by equipping local artisans with knowledge, skills and techniques to create world-class products.

With this, Councilor Cabanlas referred the matter to the tripartite committee on Tourism, on Cooperatives, and on Trades and Commerce respectively chaired by Councilor Jay Pascual, Councilor Kenneth John Sacala, and Councilor George Goking.