Weaving Communities: A Treasure of a Find

Iloilo province is renowned for handloom weaving. In the late 18th century, our hand-loom textiles were highly regarded and have been sought after trade items. Commercial production of hand-woven textiles has been an important element of the Ilonggo economy making Iloilo as the Textile Capital of the Philippines at that time.

Presently, there are still towns particularly known for their weaving barangays, mostly though are far from the provincial capital. Most of these weaving barangays can be reached through a long drive on narrow and somewhat winding roads and others are through hilly areas before descending to a small community in the middle of nowhere. For the handloom textile lovers, it certainly is a treasure of a find.

The most popular weaving towns in Iloilo is Miagao, Oton, Badiangan, Igbaras and Duenas from which comes some of the most versatile Hablon (a hand-woven fabric from polyester threads combined with cotton threads) and Patadyong (a multi-colored handloom cotton woven usually with narrow width) the world has ever seen.

In these barangays, a considerable number of people, mostly women still weave textiles during their spare time in between rice planting and harvesting but are actively involved in producing fabrics for sale to visitors and to send to markets far and wide. These weaving families have been around for generations. They gather together to share and preserve knowledge of different weaving techniques and collaborate on producing fine grades of cloths.

It is pleasing to see young girls at the side of their mothers while they prepare their looms. In the process the girls watch and learn from a very early age. They soon start weaving too and with lots of work and dedication they become fine weavers. In this way this great art is passed from generation to generation and helps us maintain our identity.

Families of weavers take pride in their work to make a supplementary income during their spare time from farming. They weave blankets, tablecloths, placemats, table runners and yardage lengths for making clothes. Practical and for everyday use, these textiles are just as attractive and classy in their own special way.

The cloths are woven as plain pastel colors, in stripes and a combination of alternated with geometric patterns woven much like embroidery done on the loom. Others are still incorporating traditional patterns, designs and motifs. Rich dark browns, greens and warm reds and oranges are combined in textural background weaves to yield cloths unique to their area. They also produce innovative contemporary pieces for urban clienteles.

Despite all the challenges of this craft, there have been revivals of traditional weaving in many communities where it was nearly lost.

So, if you are heading to Iloilo for the first time, be sure to include a few weaving communities in your itinerary – in between visits to the churches, museums, restaurants and, if you like history sites. These are the treasures of Iloilo and our weavers who remain to be one example of a talented craftsperson who keeps it alive with passion and dedication and take home a piece of Iloilo to remember your travel by.