ILOILO City – The Department of Tourism Region 6 plans to partner with local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental to empower local weaving industry.
This commitment was renewed during the successful conduct of the “Hinablon: An exhibit on Philippine Contemporary Textiles” at Nature’s Village Resort, Talisay City, Negros Occidental on Feb. 18.
Exhibit organizer Sonia Sarrosa said that the “Hinablon” seeks to revitalize, create and promote an appreciation and respect for Philippine weaving traditions. She also urges everyone to support the Department of Tourism’s thrust to preserve nature, explore culture and experience Philippines with the same accent, beauty and color while promoting and celebrating Negrense’s own cultural identity.
“The Department of Tourism Region 6 intends to support the weaving industry in Negros Occidental by partnering and empowering the local government, private sector and most especially weaving associations in the countryside. Our agency will be providing necessary financial and technical support in training young weavers especially women and indigenous groups from Municipalities of Toboso, Valladolid, Bago City and many more so that this timeless tradition may be preserved and would prosper in this modern time,” DOT-6 regional director Atty. Helen J. Catalbas said.
According to \ Mara Montelibano, textile specialist, everyone should be aware of their respective cultural traditions and icons in the textile sector. She added that it is exciting to discover the growing industry in Negros Occidental.
Besides an exhibit of the local textiles, there were also weaving demonstrations and presentation of products like patadyong, shawl and other fashion accesories by local weavers. The awardees of Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (The National Living Treasures Award) of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) were also featured.
“We should be proud of our own local products and we can show this by wearing clothes made from locally woven textiles. Let us continue our effort in putting these locally-produced clothing in the modern fashion industry,” Catalbas concluded./PN
