The Loom Project brings to life the creations of the indigenous community weavers, and provides jobs to skilled workers.. MANILA, Philippines — Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country, major challenges have confronted the Philippine weaving industry. Present activities as part of enhancing the weaving industry include training on fiber processing, identifying and utilizing dye-yielding plants for coloring fabrics, and developing the ethnic weaving designs. Economic: Weaving as a source of livelihood Cultural: The cultural origins and value of weaving and Psychological: The psychological motivations and impact of weaving, most especially on the weavers The framework guided the creation of the tools, the analysis of the results, and the It can be challenging for people living in rural areas to find employment. Weaving in the Philippines is a traditional, native art form first meant to signify religious beliefs and human expression. Weaving is a living tradition in all the provinces in the Cordillera that has been passed on from generation to generation and which needs to be preserved and promoted, Bantog said. This … However, there are many concerns that have to be addressed such as the ageing population of weaving experts, for the industry to be sustained. The Philippines has fantastic fabrics and textiles made from homegrown crops. handloom weaving industry in the Philippines today. In 2008, the country earned US$100 million from the exports of abaca fiber and products. The research presents insights on the gaps and opportunities in the handloom weaving industry in the Philippines and how it is being impacted by global trends. The Hablon handloom-weaving industry is making a comeback in Miagao, Iloilo. Its weaving industry, in particular, showcases the richness and exuberance of its cultural heritage. This industry continues to provide a respectable contribution to foreign exchange earning of the country (US$71.9M in 2000) while many handicraft items are also sold on the local market. The industry can harness the fiber and dyestuff sources in the province and enhance weaving. Later on, the discovery of the endless potential of developing the weaving industry by introducing new native products boosted the demand of the handwoven textiles. Tribal brothers and sisters from the northern cluster are famed for their blood-colored Cordilleran weaving, attesting to the fierce nature of the canao practitioners of the mountains. The Philippines , being one of the leading producers of abaca in the world, actively participates in FAO undertakings to further develop and sustain the growth of the fiber industry. Many of these can be found in our own beautiful island group. The Philippines is the second largest world producer of handicrafts, mainly baskets out of indigenous materials. Weaving in the Philippines is not only a form of art for the native Filipinos, but a part of the way of life that may be traced back to before the Spanish colonization. Based on in-depth interviews with stakeholder groups, the study provides a holistic picture on handloom weaving in the Philippines. Hablon refers to the hand woven textile, made of jusi (banana fiber), piña (pineapple fiber), locally grown silk threads, cotton, rayon, and other indigenous materials that creates an attractive textile of emerald, lavender, pink, tangerine, and crimson colors. Following this, in the Five- Year Philippines Development Plan, 1978-82, the government pledged to provide financial assistance to increase the number of cottage industries such that an additional 191,000 workers would be employed in this industry by 1982. Indigenous groups from different parts of the Philippines practice respective weaving traditions making it one of the oldest local industries observed in the country. Philippines was first identified in the 1972-76 national development plan.