Kabiangan: Roles of Women in Woodwork Industry in Binmaley, Pangasinan, Philippines

Abstract: This study examined the women’s roles in the woodworking industry in Binmaley, Pangasinan. It aimed to understand the importance of women's roles and duties, reasons for entering the industry, challenges encountered, coping mechanisms used, and support from the Local Government Unit. Using a qualitative, phenomenological design, researchers selected nine women participants through convenience sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and participant observation. Thematic analysis coding was used to analyze the qualitative data. Findings revealed that women undertook various roles in the woodworking industry, such as managers, marketers, varnishers, sanders, maintenance workers, and polishers but their responsibilities were limited to manufacturing. Men handled heavier tasks like creating wooden products, while women focused on lighter tasks like "paglalaga" or "pagsusuliha" for making rattan furniture. Women entered the industry to contribute to household expenses, inherit a family business, and alleviate poverty. Despite facing demanding customers, work-related hardships, and natural hazards but coped through family support and perseverance. However, they received minimal institutional support, highlighting a gap in assistance programs for women in this sector.