The Katilingban sang Mininihon sang Pahanocoy (Kamipa) is a community of 29 potters who have been using traditional method of making pots for decades. They use open fire to bake pots, which causes heavy smoke and air pollution in Barangay Pahanocoy, Bacolod City. The smoke causes poor visibility along the national highway, posing safety risk to motorists.
On 27 October, Kamipa received a new, shuttle-type kiln built by the RU Foundry and Machine Corporation. The 2-cubic-meter gas-type kiln, with storage capacity of up to 130 pots, costs nearly P3 million to build with the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) funding the construction to enhance the livelihood of local potters while helping address environmental issues caused by traditional pottery methods.
DoST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said the quality of the pots using the upgraded kiln is good and suggested also using it to produce bricks for fishponds and salt ponds.
DoST undersecretary for regional operations Engr. Sancho Mabborang said the kiln is LPG-fired so it produces clean pots.
Another advantage of the new kiln, according to DoST 6 regional director and DoST Negros Island region officer-in-charge Rowen Gelonga, is its capability to operate three firings per day. Each firing lasts eight hours.
Gelonga added that the open fire technique can only produce heat of up to 400 degrees Celsius while the new kiln’s temperature can reach more than 1000°C thus ensuring better-quality products.
With the new kiln, the potters of Barangay Pahanocoy can increase their productivity while protecting their environment and keeping their rich cultural heritage alive for future generations.