Aklan, Iloilo artisans win KATHA Awards at Manila FAME 2026

ILOILO CITY — Artisans from Aklan and Iloilo earned national recognition for sustainable craftsmanship and innovative product design at Manila FAME 2026, bringing home major honors and special citations at the prestigious KATHA Awards.

The recognition highlighted Western Visayas’ growing presence in the country’s creative industries, with local enterprises transforming traditional weaving techniques and indigenous materials into contemporary fashion, home decor and lifestyle products.

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the two provinces participated in the international trade exhibition held Oct. 15 to 17 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.

The event, themed “Bloom,” celebrated nature-inspired designs, organic forms and Filipino craftsmanship while providing local producers opportunities to connect with domestic and international buyers.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6 delegation showcased products made from heritage fibers and locally sourced materials, reinforcing the region’s reputation for sustainable design and traditional craftsmanship.

Aklan artisans shine in sustainable design

Leading Aklan’s achievements was Buttons Nthings Arts and Crafts Shop, which received the KATHA Eco-Design Award special citation for its innovative Nitraf Placemat.

The enterprise also secured finalist recognition in three other categories, demonstrating the versatility of its designs and materials.

Its Si Amo ag si Bao raffia stuffed toy was named a finalist in the Holiday Décor category, while its nitra placemats earned recognition in Home Décor.

The Franz Nito Bag also reached the finals in the Fashion category.

Another Aklan enterprise, Ninamaria Arts and Crafts, secured a finalist spot in the Eco-Design category for its Upak Bowl collection.

For Buttons Nthings owner Sheree Reynaldo, the latest recognition marked another milestone following her success at Manila FAME 2024.

Reynaldo previously won the KATHA Eco-Design Award for her PAEA Handwoven Raffia Table Runner, which featured natural dyes derived from locally available materials.

The award-winning product used dyes extracted from talisay leaves, young coconut coir and atsuete seeds, demonstrating how indigenous resources can be incorporated into environmentally conscious product development.

Her latest recognition reinforced Aklan’s established reputation for producing crafts made from natural fibers such as piña, raffia and nito.

Iloilo designer wins major KATHA award

Iloilo also secured a major honor through Erik Castelo House of Fashion, which won the KATHA Award for Best Product Design in the Holiday Décor, Gifts & Toys category.

The winning creation, Panayanon Silak Grove Obelisks, combined traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.

The recognition added to the fashion house’s achievements in integrating traditional weaving techniques into modern fashion and lifestyle products.

Castelo’s success also demonstrated the potential of Iloilo’s creative enterprises to compete in national design competitions while promoting regional identity and craftsmanship.

Iloilo showcases fashion, home and lifestyle products

The Iloilo delegation participated in Manila FAME for the second consecutive year, with support from the city government and private sector partners.

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas sponsored the participation and booth setup of the city’s MSMEs, helping local businesses showcase their products to a wider market.

The 11-member Iloilo contingent presented wearable fashion, home decor and holiday furnishings curated by designer PJ Arañador through the DTI One Town, One Product Philippines program.

The Iloilo pavilion featured a bamboo platform and booth installation crafted by the Maasin Bamboo Association and designed by Arañador.

The display highlighted the province’s bamboo craftsmanship while providing a distinctive setting for products made by Ilonggo entrepreneurs.

The pavilion received support from the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council, Philippine Exporters Confederation Region 6A, MORE Power, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo, and the Office of Iloilo Fourth District Rep. Ferjenel Biron.

Joining Erik Castelo in the fashion category were Indag-an Primary Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Salngan Livelihood Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Modern Ilongga and 1Iloilo Inc.

Meanwhile, Iloilo Capiz Shells Flowers and Antiques, Lampirong Collection, Cuaycong Native Crafts, WUTHLE Association, Rattanology Corp. and Owlkemy Candles Manufacturing showcased home and lifestyle products.

The participating enterprises highlighted Iloilo’s diverse creative industries, from traditional weaving and shell-based crafts to contemporary furnishings and decorative products.

Aklan promotes piña, raffia and nito craftsmanship

Aklan fielded 15 enterprises showcasing products rooted in the province’s long-standing weaving traditions.

Six enterprises participated directly under DTI Aklan: Bandiola’s Piña Weaving, Dodong and Mikay Piña Weaving, Buttons Nthings Arts and Crafts Shop, Ninamaria Arts and Crafts, Elizabeth Rasonable Piña Weaving and Raquel’s Piña Cloth Products.

Eight other enterprises joined the Artisans Village supported by the Kalibo local government.

These included Aklan Fashion Designers Association Inc., Handicraft of Aklan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Joeriz & Co., La Herminia Weaving and Arts Inc., Nami Aklan, Piña Seda Primera, Reycon’s Piña Cloth and Uswag Arts and Crafts.

Alima by Silverhandicrafts participated separately, completing the province’s 15-enterprise delegation.

Aklan’s participation highlighted the commercial potential of traditional fibers, particularly piña, raffia and nito, which have long supported local weaving communities.

Piña weaving is especially significant to the province’s cultural identity, with traditional techniques passed down through generations of artisans.

The industry’s continued participation in national and international trade exhibitions provides opportunities for producers to develop new designs, reach buyers and expand markets for locally made products.

DTI vows continued support for local artisans

DTI Region 6 officials praised the participating enterprises for demonstrating how traditional Filipino craftsmanship can remain competitive through innovation, contemporary design and sustainable production.

The agency said it would continue supporting product development and market access initiatives to help MSMEs strengthen their presence in domestic and international markets.

DTI Region 6 acting Regional Director Mutya Eusores said the achievements of Reynaldo and Castelo reflected the creativity and entrepreneurial potential of Western Visayas artisans.

“This is a victory for Western Visayas artisans, reaffirming our region’s capacity for excellence and ingenuity. Beyond the recognition, Sheree and Erik stand as inspiring figures for the creative and entrepreneurial community, showing that dedication, talent, and innovation can elevate local craftsmanship to greater heights”, said DTI Region VI Acting Regional Director Mutya Eusores.

The KATHA Awards recognize outstanding Philippine product design, innovation and craftsmanship, with emphasis on creativity, functionality, sustainability and commercial potential.

For Western Visayas enterprises, the recognition provides greater visibility in the competitive home, fashion and lifestyle industries while creating opportunities to reach new markets.

The achievements also underscore the importance of preserving traditional crafts while adapting products to changing consumer preferences and international design trends.

By combining indigenous materials, skilled craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics, artisans from Iloilo and Aklan continue to demonstrate how cultural heritage can support entrepreneurship and regional economic development. (Manila FAME photos)