BANGUED, Abra (PIA) — The native weaves and textiles of Abra are set to take center stage at the “Abel ti Abra” fashion show on January 31, 2025.
The event will benchmark cotton and bamboo fiber as the latest innovative textile materials, in addition to the natural dyed and commercial yarn that the local weavers use.
Abrenian loom weavers and fabric designers recently convened to strengthen their areas of cooperation, in preparation for the said fashion show, competition and workshop that is supported by the Department of Trade and Industry(DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the University of Abra, in partnership with Asia Livelihood Network-Japan, a non-profit organization.
DTI-Abra Provincial Director Marvin Arcangel said the activity will be a venue to exhibit the distinct loom woven fabrics of Abra.
“We are doing this to promote our local weaving industry as part of design in the creatives, and a lot of our players are really doing well when it comes to weaving so we have to step up to expand it,” Arcangel stated.
Aside from product promotion, DOST-Abra Provincial Director Ralf Safi-il said the event is also a way to establish market linkages between the local weavers and buyers across the globe.
“This year lalawak na ang ating collaboration. Aside from the fashion show, we will be establishing market linkages through these activities,” Sapi-il said.
The winners will get a free educational trip to Japan sponsored by Asia Livelihood Network-Japan, where they can exchange trades and crafts with the Japanese textile industry.
The development of cotton production is continually expanding as the government thru Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority is subsidizing local farmers who are willing to produce this material.
Several Abrenian farmers have earlier signified their willingness to engage in cotton farming. With increasing access to cotton, local weavers and farmers in Abra are looking forward to earning a considerable amount of income. (JDP/CAGT-PIA CAR, Abra)
