DOST-PTRI launches the 1st PH Handloom Weaving Festival featuring 120 local weavers

As the first-ever Philippine Handloom Weaving Festival (PHWF), more than 120 weavers from over 40 weaving communities and textile enthusiasts gather to foster a learning and cultural space where weaving communities, researchers, designers, and experts converge to expand their knowledge and push the boundaries of traditional handloom weaving industry.

As part of the 2025 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) and organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST–PTRI) and in partnership with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Norte Tourism, Cebu Pacific Air, Robinsons Ilocos, and the Local Government of Taguig, the PHWF offers an Immersion and Heritage Tour on the significant weaving and cultural landmarks in La Union and the Ilocos Region.

From November 17-18, 202,5 the weavers will tour on Sericulture Research and Development Institute (SRDI) in Bacnotan, La Union; Bangar Weaving Village in Bangar, La Union; Rowilda’s Loomweaving in Vigan, Ilocos Sur; Paoay Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte; Batac Church and Riverside Empanadaan in Batac, Ilocos Norte; Nagbacalan Loomweavers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, and Malacanang of the North in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

The festival officially runs from November 19–22, 2025, at the Robinsons Ilocos, Ilocos Norte, featuring a series of events designed to advance knowledge-sharing and strengthen weaving communities nationwide. Key highlights include:

• Hinabi Textile Bazaar – a showcase and marketplace of locally woven textiles and handmade products.
• Textile Exchange & Fora – discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions among weavers, designers, researchers, and textile innovators.
• Techno Demo Weaving Workshop – hands-on demonstrations of weaving techniques and textile technologies.
• Philippine Ikat Symposium – a platform to initiate discussion on the relevant issues encountered by our Philippine Ikat communities.
• KatHABI Exhibit – a curated display of textile innovations and design collaborations

These segments are crafted to elevate the knowledge and skills of weavers and general audience in the traditional and emerging textile technologies developed by the DOST–PTRI.

The PHWF highlights that traditional weaving is deeply rooted in culture while being enhanced by science and technology, truly embodying DOST-PTRI’s mission to strengthen human-resource capabilities for global competitiveness.