Women's Participation in the Woodcarving Tradition and Industry of Paete, Laguna

Paete, named after the wood chisel, paet, is a town in northeastern Laguna known for its long-standing woodcarving tradition dating back to the Spanish colonization. With a predominantly Catholic population, most carvings are religious images, saints, bakya (wooden footwear), figurines, and architectural adornments. In 2005, Paete was officially declared the “Carving Capital of the Philippines” (Icasiano, 2020), making woodcarving its cultural hallmark. However, scarcity of native trees has led to diversification, with some artisans now carving ice, fruits, and vegetables. 

While the industry remains an important economic resource for the town, its cultural significance has diminished, contributing to declining numbers of woodcarvers and waning interest among youth. This paper explores women’s participation in Paete’s woodcarving tradition and industry, focusing on their roles, enabling factors, and challenges.