INDIGENOUS FIBER FASHION FAIR: Balancing economic development with cultural preservation

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By Bombette Golez Marin

Hand-loom weaving is a long-standing craft that has been practiced in certain towns for centuries.

Our textiles played a significant role in Iloilo’s economic development. It became even more crucial in the late 18th century, when production increased substantially and Iloilo emerged as a center of textile manufacturing in the Philippines during the colonial period.

Production of hand-loom textiles is mainly carried out by women. For them, it is not only a functional skill but also an art form that contributes to the cultural identity of their community. Their diverse weaving techniques have been passed down through generations, preserving traditional knowledge and reflecting our rich heritage. Hand-loom weaving practices serve as a significant cultural asset for these towns.

Hand-loom weaving continues to be practiced and celebrated in many towns in Iloilo. The towns of Miagao, Badiangan, Oton, Igbaras, Duenas, Janiuay, and Tigbauan promote hand-loom weaving as an alternative means to generate income and boost local economic growth through creativity and culture. These towns have positioned themselves by enhancing the value of their hand-loom weaving heritage.

The use of cultural heritage and historical features helps these towns establish their presence in tourism, enhancing their attractiveness as a destination through preserving, transmitting, and promoting cultural heritage, as well as inculcating a sense of pride and strengthening their cultural identity. It tells a story, connecting present generations with their ancestors and preserving cultural heritage.

Hand-loom weaving has been established with high cultural significance in the heritage of the province and the region. The appreciation of the value of this cultural heritage has become one of the pillars to achieve a good level of visitor experience when visiting Iloilo.

The annual Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair celebration, implemented by the Provincial Culture, Arts, History, and Tourism Office, seeks to achieve this by valuing and integrating this local cultural asset into a tourism strategy. This event not only aims to enhance the visitor experience but also to ensure the continuity and relevance of cultural heritage.

The event has encouraged the preservation of the local cultural identities of our weaving communities, highlighting women’s participation as a catalyst in the processes of cultural encounters, cultural revitalization, and economic benefits.

In its 18th year, the Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair will open on Nov. 10 with a fashion show at the SM City Iloilo Event Center featuring the official candidates of Lin-ay Sang Iloilo 2025, at 4 p.m. An accessory fashion show showcasing the hand-loom textiles of the Salngan Livelihood Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Oton, with tourism students from the College of Hospitality Management of Central Philippine University, will be held on Nov. 11 at 5:30 p.m. To cap the celebration, the Association of Iloilo Tourism Officers will showcase their hand-loom outfits on the runway at 5:30 p.m. The Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair is annually co-organized by SM City Iloilo in partnership with #DailyGuardian.