ILOILO CITY — Thirty‑three women proudly presented their handwoven masterpieces to Mayor Raisa Treñas on July 13, 2026, after completing a 10‑day Basic Hablon Weaving Skills Training. The WISE program—Women in Sustainable Enterprise—turned raw talent into a livelihood rooted in Ilonggo heritage.
A Celebration of Skill and Dedication
The graduates showcased intricate hablon textiles, each piece reflecting hours of patient work at the loom. The patterns told stories of geometric precision passed down through generations. For many, the course was their first formal training, transforming a dormant interest into a marketable craft.
The training fell under the city’s RISE Ilonggo Skills Program, which targets marginalized sectors with sustainable livelihood opportunities. The women learned not only weaving techniques but also quality control and finishing. Their products now carry the stamp of Arevalo, the historic district long recognized as the heart of Ilonggo weaving.
A Mayor’s Pledge to Open Doors
Mayor Treñas did more than applaud the graduates; she committed concrete resources. She vowed to provide access to online selling platforms and training on global color trends. Her promise means the weavers will be equipped to sell beyond neighborhood markets and compete internationally.
The mayor’s vision is to transform hablon from a souvenir item into a sought‑after lifestyle product. By blending tradition with modern marketing, the city hopes to make weaving a viable full‑time career. The graduates listened with visible excitement, knowing their craft now had a commercial roadmap.
Reviving the Textile Capital Legacy
Iloilo was once celebrated as the “Textile Capital of the Philippines,” its hablon fabrics prized for their vibrant colors and durability. The rise of machine‑made textiles nearly erased the handloom tradition. Programs like WISE are bringing it back, one weaver at a time.
The term “hablon” comes from the Hiligaynon word “habol,” meaning to weave. The fabric typically blends cotton, jusi, and piña fibers, creating a cloth that is both sturdy and elegant. Today’s graduates are now guardians of a tradition that risked fading into memory.
Partners in Creative Growth
The Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (LEDIP) facilitated the training, tapping the renowned Arevalo Handwoven Products Weaving Center as its partner. Master weaver Evelyn Arenal Larida‑Jiz mentored the women, ensuring they learned the authentic techniques that distinguish genuine hablon from imitations.
The Arevalo center is legendary—it crafts the official UP Sablay, the academic sash worn by graduates of the University of the Philippines. By training under such a respected institution, the WISE graduates gained a credential that carries weight with buyers. LEDIP expressed gratitude for the partnership, calling it a model for public‑private collaboration.
A Future Woven with Opportunity
With their certificates in hand and a clear path to market, the 33 graduates now face a future where their looms can provide for their families. They join a growing movement of Ilongga artisans reclaiming their cultural identity through enterprise. The city government expects the ripple effects to be felt in the local economy for years to come.
