During a recent operational planning workshop, Department of Tourism-Region VI (DOT-6) director, Atty. Helen J. Catalbas, lauded a project by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute.

“DOT-6 believes the establishment of the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center is one way of bringing back an interest in the textile industry of the Western Visayas,” she said.

The center seeks to support micro, small, and medium enterprises that manufacture various garments and textiles from natural fiber blends.

Earlier this month, following Hinablon, an exhibit on Philippine contemporary textiles, which was held last month at the Nature’s Village Resort in Bacolod City, DOT-6 encouraged the promotion of traditional weaving techniques.

“Our agency will be providing necessary financial and technical support in training young weavers, especially women and indigenous groups,” Catalbas said at the time. “We should be proud of our own local products and we can show this by wearing clothes made from locally woven textiles.”

Meanwhile, it was earlier reported, as part of their National Women’s Month observance, the National Museum of the Philippines will be hosting free weaving demonstrations and lectures this weekend, March 23 and 24, at the National Museum Western Visayas Regional Museum and Satellite Office, located at the Iloilo Capitol Compound along Bonifacio Drive in Iloilo City.

The event, which seeks to raise awareness on issues surrounding gender roles, will feature traditional weaving techniques, such as hablon, a craft that can be dated back to the 1800s./WDJ