What is "bayong"

Bayong refers to bags originating from the Philippines made by weaving dried leaves. The leaves used for making barong varies but the traditional bayong is made from buri leaves in the Visayas and pandan leaves in Luzon. Abaca, bacbac, karagumoy, sabutan, romblon and tikog are among other organic materials used in making the bayong all of which are derived from plants native in the Philippines.Plastic strips are also used as synthetic substitute for leaves.

The use of Bayong is common among Filipinos going to wet markets especially in the rural areas or provinces. Recently the bayong is being promoted as an environmental-friendly alternative to plastic shopping bags.