Honoring Weavers, Sharing Knowledge: Habing Katutubo Collective at the 2026 Philippine Handloom Weaving Festival

Carlyn Saavedra

Oct 1

2 min read

Celebrating Philippine handloom weaving means honoring its makers and creating opportunities to learn together. These commitments came together at the 2026 Philippine Handloom Weaving Festival, which celebrated 28 weavers from across the Philippines.

Initiated by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), in collaboration with the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF) and Habing Katutubo Collective Inc. (HKCI), the festival was held on September 18–20, 2026, at Quantum Skyview, Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City, Quezon City.

The gathering brought weavers, designers, and advocates into a shared space to appreciate Philippine textiles and exchange knowledge. Its program included the Hinabi Textile Bazaar, Textile Exchange Fora, Technology Demonstrations, and Textile Innovation Exhibit, connecting weaving traditions with contemporary research and creative practice.

A special Recognition of Weavers segment on September 18 honored the makers’ dedication, skill, and contributions to preserving Philippine textile heritage. Presented in partnership with Araneta City, Gateway Mall, JAAF, and Habing Katutubo, it placed the people behind the textiles at the center of the celebration.

For HKCI, this recognition reflects a core commitment: appreciation for handwoven products should extend to the communities and individuals who create them. Behind each piece are patient labor, practiced techniques, and cultural knowledge that deserves respect.

That commitment continued through knowledge sharing on the festival’s final day, when Ms. Genesis Galap Gonzales of Tribo Estilo by G&G and Ms. Maila Alog of M.A. Woven Designs and Habing Katutubo Collective Inc. shared their expertise and experiences with the weavers, contributing perspectives from their work in design and cultural advocacy.

These exchanges offered another way to support Philippine weaving—through conversations among people working in textile making, design, and promotion. They provided opportunities to learn from one another and strengthen connections within the weaving sector.

Habing Katutubo Collective is grateful to DOST-PTRI and JAAF for the partnership and the opportunity to contribute to this gathering. Above all, HKCI celebrates the weavers whose hands and dedication sustain Philippine handloom traditions, carrying their knowledge forward through every textile they create.

Photos: DOST-PTRI