By PR | 11:06 AM June 22, 2024
Saguran or Raffia weaving, Bohol’s distinct art form was prominently displayed through the “Weaving with Pride: Culture. Creativity. Pride.” lecture and workshop series on June 20 at the National Museum of the Philippines-Bohol (NMP-Bohol).
Lawyer Ma. Cecilia Yu-Tirol, Visayas National Museums Director, welcomed guests and participants to the event, in celebration of Pride Month observed annually every June.
“Raffia is versatile. It can be eaten, it can be worn, for design; it is sustainable and environment-friendly,” Tirol said, of the intent of the National Museum to push for the revival of the weaving industry into a thriving and sustainable practice in the first and only UNESCO Global Geopark Regenerative Island Province in the Philippines.
Aside from celebrating Pride Month, the activity also focuses on the promotion of artists who incorporate raffia weaving into their artistry and support livelihood in the hope of the industry’s becoming a primary driver of social and economic progress for Bohol, she added.
Shining the spotlight on the different facets of raffia weaving, the lecture and workshop series featured resource speakers, including Christian Bacolod, a College Instructor at the College of Education-Institute of Human Kinetics (IHK) of the Visayas State University-Main Campus.
Bacolod presented an introduction to Bohol’s Weaving Traditions and shared his academic research entitled Gitangkis – Gibuwos – Gihabi: Ecology, History, and Creative Forms, of the Saguran Weave of Bohol, Philippines.
“Saguran weaving is not gendered, unlike weaving practices in other parts of the country where only women weave, raffia is inclusive,” Bacolod said, sharing his pride and passion to keep coming back to Bohol.
Meanwhile, Arch. Nigell Abarquez of the Tubigon Raffia Gallery showcased Saguran in architecture.
He underscored sustainability as an important aspect to ensure that members of the community can make it their livelihood.
“We need to get together when it comes to culture, not only when it comes to weaving. It’s not just heritage workers but also for the people, to continuously practice and promote,” he stated of the importance of passing heritage to the next generation.
Shannon Pamaong, the renowned fashion designer, spoke about the risks, possibilities, and success of incorporating Saguran in fashion design. He displayed some of his masterpieces that have walked international runways.
The final session comprised an actual demonstration of raffia weaving by Myline Santorce, a weaver for Weaves Are Us with an explanation by Ma. Trina Sumayang has spent 20 years in the weaving industry.
In her closing remark, Vierna Terese Ligan, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director, congratulated the organizers along with other partners for fostering a deeper sense of appreciation for raffia weaving.
Ligan throughout 35 years of assistance by DTI to the industry; witnessed how raffia weaving evolved from house furnishings to textiles.
Rachelle Lacea, National Museum Bohol Director, also thanked partners, collaborators, resource speakers, and participants, handing over certificates of appreciation, to conclude the event.
“Heritage means to transfer the knowledge to the young generation,” she said of the impact she hoped the activity would have on the province.
Aligned with Gov. Aris Aumentado’s Strategic Change Agenda on innovating sustainable tourism and fostering a business-enabling environment for MSMEs, the lecture series and workshop were organized by the NMP-Bohol, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bohol through the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office and the Center for Culture and Arts Development, as well as the City Government of Tagbilaran through its City Events, Culture and Arts Office. (PIMO/LMS)
