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| (Image Source: Philippine News Agency/Pot Chavez) |
The provincial government of Batangas is targeting the province's indigenous textiles and apparel, particularly those made by local artisans using time-honored weaving methods, to reach and make waves in the international fashion market. In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Batangas Provincial Tourism and Cultural Office (PTCAO) Head Katrin Buted noted that a successful month-long celebration of native fashion, which culminated in a fashion show held last May 24, 2024 at the Liwasang Batangan (Capitol Marble Terrace) within the provincial capitol grounds in Batangas City, was only the beginning of the agency's promotion efforts, saying in Filipino, “In the midst of globalization, many have lost touch with our roots that should be rekindled to pay tribute to our identity. Through Hibla at Deboho (Fiber and Sketch), we uphold the heritage that we should be proud of as Batangueños."
Eighteen fashion designers from Agoncillo, Balete, Bauan, Batangas City, Cuenca, Ibaan, Lemery, Lipa City, Lobo, Mabini, Mataas na Kahoy, Padre Garcia, San Jose, San Juan, San Luis, San Pascual, and Taal showcased their creations at the said event. Highlighted during the fashion extravaganza were the woven fabrics produced by artisans from Ibaan and Taal towns. Buted said such efforts are made to assist local weavers and embroiders to further boost their income and promote the industry in the entire province. She said the PTCAO will remain committed to fulfill its mandate to show and to pass the cultural heritage to the next generation of Batangueños. As part of the province's observance of National Heritage Month, the PTCAO partnered with SM Supermalls and civic groups to showcase creations of local artists.
Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas said the fashion products were testaments to the pride locals must have for native creations, stating, “We emphasize not only tourism but also our culture and customs which are the true roots of our identity. We performed our program here to convey to everyone what we are proud of." Mandanas, who graced the fashion event weeks after the reception of his wedding with Atty. Angelica Chua held at the same place, explained that the capitol building must be at the forefront of Batangueño pride. The governor recognized the contribution of internationally renowned designers including Renee Salud from San Juan and Patis Tesoro from Tanauan who have unveiled their respective creations of modern Filipiniana terno incorporating the Batangas textiles as well ae Paul Cabral, Rajo Laurel, and JC Buendia, among others. Mandanas and Buted also distributed several high-speed sewing machines to indigent tailors from Padre Garcia, Batangas City, Balayan, Taal, and Ibaan to help them grow their small fashion businesses.
Prior to the highly-anticipated fashion show, Batangas PTCAO Culture and Arts Division Chief Amado Hagos said in an interview with PNA the month-long celebration of native culture in the province creates a good opportunity to recognize the cultural heritage of the 'habing Ibaan', 'barong' and 'burdang Taal', stating, “Batangas is very rich not only in human and physical resources but also in the culture and work of the Batangueños. Although we know that the weaving and embroidery industry has long been owned by the province, it has been declining lately." The tourism official emphasized that there is much more to this place than the ever-restive Taal Volcano that constantly makes the headlines while sometimes blotting out news about Batangas’ many offerings. He further said the provincial government is looking to expand these industries to the entire province with the help of local government units (LGUs) and sectoral groups. He shared that the effort to assist traditional weavers is the provincial government's response to the legislation of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA) that promotes the creative industry sector through design and visual arts. Hagos also expressed his gratitude to SM Supermalls in the province - SM City Batangas, SM City Lipa, SM Center Lemery, and SM City Sto. Tomas - for hosting PTCAO’s events throughout the month of May.
(With words by Pot Chavez, Philippine News Agency)
