Aklanon piña weaver earns national export fair honor

An Aklan-based micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) specializing in piña-based products secured the second-highest sales in the non-food category during the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Exporters’ Fair 2026, highlighting the province’s growing presence in the country’s export market. 

Elizabeth Rasonable Piña Weaving of Banga, Aklan, was named the Second Top Seller Awardee in the Non-Food Category during the fair’s closing ceremony held July 26 at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. The five-day trade event, conducted from July 22–26, brought together more than 200 exhibitors from provinces and regions across the Philippines. 

The recognition underscores the increasing market potential of indigenous Philippine textiles and handcrafted products, particularly those made from Aklan’s renowned Red Spanish pineapple fiber. For local producers, national trade fairs provide opportunities to expand market access, attract export buyers, generate higher-value sales, and strengthen rural livelihoods through the preservation and commercialization of traditional weaving practices. 

Owned by Elizabeth Rasonable, the enterprise began as a small family business and has since developed a range of world-class piña products through continuous innovation. Its product line includes piña cloth, dresses, barongs, and fashion accessories made from Red Spanish pineapple fiber. 

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Aklan, the enterprise received strong positive feedback from buyers and visitors throughout the five-day event. It recorded the second-highest total sales in the non-food category after combining cash purchases and booked transactions from both domestic businesses and international buyers. The agency said the performance reflects the quality of the products and demonstrates the company’s readiness to compete in export markets. 

The National Exporters’ Fair serves as a platform for export-ready Philippine MSMEs to showcase locally made products to institutional buyers, exporters, retailers, and international markets. Organized by the DTI, the annual event supports the government’s efforts to expand exports and strengthen the competitiveness of Filipino enterprises. While the press release did not disclose the value of sales generated during the fair, it identified Elizabeth Rasonable Piña Weaving as the second-highest seller in its category. 

Other Aklan MSMEs that participated in the trade fair were La Herminia Fibers and Looms, Silver Handicrafts, Raquel’s Piña Cloth Products, Reycons Piña Cloth, Faith Native Products, and Sunshine’s Breadmart, showcasing a wide range of products from the province. 

“Elizabeth Rasonable’s win, is not only a win for their enterprise but a big win for the piña weaving industry in the province of Aklan. Time and time again, we have proven that this timeless tradition continue to bring us with a sense of pride,” said DTI-Aklan Officer-in-Charge Provincial Director Grace M. Benedicto.