One of the pressing issues on heritage preservation and conservation right now is on the preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).  Abel weaving is an intangible cultural heritage of Paoay, that has caught the attention of many researchers, the academe, and some sectors of the society.  The urgency of preserving ICH such as abel weaving is felt right now because of the noticeable decline on the number of abel weavers, and the aging of the population involved in the said craft.  One of the advantages and effects of the said initiative is that the craft will not die, and it can also help in improving the lives of the people involved. 

 Generally, the study examined the historical underpinnings of the abel handloom weaving industry.  Along with it is the socio-cultural importance of abel Paoay in the collective lives of Ilokanos.  It documented and analyzed the role that weaving has played in the past, and continues to play in the Ilocano community at present. The study also analyzed how the kind of woven products, techniques, color, patterns of the ABEL Paoay reflect the Ilokano worldview and at the same time shaped by it.

 

             This study was conducted in Paoay, Ilocos Norte specifically in the barangays where there are identified weavers.  The respondents of the study are people who are actively involved in weaving, including the elderlies who were once active weavers.  Data for this study were gathered through archival method, interview schedule, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD).

 There were several historical turning-points that affected the development of abel weaving in Paoay.  These turning-points contributed in the development, and at the same time of the decline of the abel weaving industry.  The turning-points became the impetus for the introduction, and utilization of new technologies, designs, and colors in abel.

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