by John Legaspi, Manila Bulletin
Weaving is an integral part of the Philippines’ culture. Every indigenous group in the country has its own unique weaving heritage that immortalizes its vibrant traditions and stories. These hand-loomed textiles aren’t just testaments to the wonders Filipino hands can make but also to the discipline and respect our ancestors have in preserving our national identity.
To further bring the country’s weaving heritage closer to many Filipinos, the Office of the First Lady, in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), launched “Likha,” a week-long event bridging traditional textile communities, designers, brands, and manufacturers to communicate, innovate, and co-create a sustainable pathway of Philippine textiles for the local and international market.
According to Marga Nograles, chief operating officer of TPB, the idea behind “Likha” stemmed from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s vow to protect the creative industry in order to preserve the “Filipino brand” during his first State of the Nation Address.
“Taking this to heart, we put our weaving tradition and colorful fabrics in the spotlight of our Filipino heritage,” Nograles said during the launch. “Trade, industrialization, globalization, technology, circular economy, and the importance of culture and national development have changed the value and purpose of handloom weaving over time. They transform it into what it is today, an assertion of identity, a means of income, an emerging design trend, and a source of cultural pride.”
For a week, the PICC Forum 2 will be the home of over 57 weavers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao as they showcase their handloom textiles and intricate beading works. Guests will have the chance to get a closer look at how Filipino textiles are made, talk with the weavers, purchase their products, and also participate in various seminars and talks.
Present during its launch last Feb. 21 were First Lady of the Philippines Louise Araneta-Marcos, Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary Christina Frasco, and Rustan Commercial Corporation president Bienvenido Tantoco III.
“It is our hope that this week-long activity will inspire both the weavers and the talented designers to come up with innovative ideas to help the weaving industry,” the First Lady said. “Tayo na at lumikha (Let’s go and create)!”
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“Likha” will be open to the public on Feb. 25, and will run until Feb. 28 at the PICC Forum 2 in Pasay City.
