Weaved products of Northern Luzon showcased in mega trade fair

LAOAG CITY, November 7 (PIA) –  Attractive products of weavers from Northern Luzon were showcased in the recent 2016 National Arts and Crafts Fair at the Megatrade Halls 1-3 at the SM Megamall.

The fair conducted on October 26-30 was spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with the support of Senator Loren Legarda.

The event aimed to exhibit the cultural expressions of local artists from different regions across the country, mainly highlighting both contemporary art and crafts that exemplify indigenous living traditions through hand-made products, ornaments, jewelry, fabric, and accessories, among others.

Dr. Edwin Antonio, head of the national committee on northern cultural communities of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), hailed Thursday the conduct of the exhibit.

“This trade fair is for the promotion of the world-class indigenous products of the country’s cultural communities”, said Antonio.

Loomweaver groups from Northern Luzon that joined the event were the Nagbacalan Loomweavers Multi-Purpose Cooperative from Paoay, Ilocos Norte; the San Jose Multi-Purpose Cooperative from Sarrat, Ilocos Norte; Katagowan Weaving and Souvenirs from Sagada, Mt. Province; Rowilda’s Loomweaving from Vigan City, Ilocos Sur; and the Salidummay Communities Development Association from Lubuagan, Kalinga.

Other exhibitors of the trade fair are the Mangyan Heritage Center from Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro; Ness Crafts from Tabaco City, Albay; Bagtason Loom Weavers Association from Bugasong, Antique; CM Bamboocraft Center from La Paz, Iloilo City; Indag-an Primary Multi-Purpose Cooperative from Miag-ao Iloilo; and the Laguindingan Silk Weavers – Abai Weavers Multi-Purpose Cooperative from Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.

Other features of the event were artworks by Ann Pamintuan, Magdiwang Jardiniano, Lirio Salvador, and Ged Merino; Future Flavors booth of DOST – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD); Lab to Fab booth of DOST – Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI); and a booth by NCCA, featuring Schools of Living Traditions (SLT) beneficiaries.

Other participants in the trade fair were the Sammy Buhle of Ifugao Ikat weaving and Lily Luglug of Lab Tie Dye Weavers Association. (Freddie G. Lazaro/PIA-1)