DFA Celebrates National Heritage Month through “Heritage Talks: The Textiles of Basilan” 

Madame Pamela Manalo browsing Philippine textiles and weaves brought by HABI-endorsed vendors  

PASAY 06 June 2024 – In commemoration of the National Heritage Month 2024 with the theme “Championing Heritage: Capacity Building to Transform Communities”, the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Cultural Diplomacy (OCD), in collaboration with its two partners in the private sector– HABI: The Philippine textile Council and Museo ng Kaalamáng Katutubò (MUSKKAT), organized the first of a series of lectures titled “Heritage Talk” about The Textiles of Basilan. The first lecture was held on 28 May 2023 at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini of the Department of Foreign Affairs to shed light on the richness of Philippine culture and heritage as seen through the colorful hues and unique interweaving patterns of traditional Yakan textiles and fabrics from Basilan.

In her welcome remarks, Assistant Secretary Celia Anna M. Feria underscored the paramount importance of preserving our intangible cultural heritage, particularly for future generations. Assistant Secretary Feria highlighted  the pivotal role of strategic dissemination in conserving the multifaceted elements of our cultural legacy. She also emphasized that the objective of these “Heritage Talks'' is to foster the perpetuation of our vibrant cultural heritage, serving as a beacon for future bearers of our collective identity.

Founder and Chairman Emeritus of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, Maria Isabel “Maribel” Ongpin, spoke of  the rich heritage and contemporary innovations of Philippine textiles, while promoting the organization's dedicated efforts in preserving the country's cultural heritage through these traditional crafts.  Corazon S. Alvina, Director of the of Museo ng Kaalamáng Katutubò, another partner of OCD in the Heritage Talks series,  introduced Mr. Earl Francis C. Pasilan, Professor of  the Ateneo De Zamboanga, the event’s  speaker.

Mr. Earl C. Pasilan discussed the intricate process by which the Yakan indigenous community interweaved the rich narratives of their ancestors into their exquisite textiles. He elaborated on the craftsmanship involved, highlighting how each piece is a labor of love that incorporates ancient symbols and stories, values of the community, and the images of nature and their surroundings. Through detailed descriptions and vivid examples, he showcased how the weavers blend traditional techniques and artistry with contemporary designs and materials, ensuring the survival and relevance of their cultural legacy in the modern world.

Members of the diplomatic corps, guests from cultural agencies, students from fashion universities, and local weavers in Metro Manila attended the talk. Guests were also invited to peruse the textiles and weaves of the HABI-endorsed vendors and to taste the food served by the local food purveyors of Pasay City. END

DFA Office of Cultural Diplomacy Assistant Secretary Celia Anna M. Feria delivers the Opening Remarks (Photo Credit: DFA-OPD by James A. Artiaga)

Guest Speaker Mr. Earl Francis C. Pasilan discusses “The Textiles of Basilan”

(From left to right): DFA Office of Cultural Diplomacy Assistant Secretary Celia Anna M. Feria, Madame Pamela Louise Manalo, Mr. Earl Pasilan, HABI: The Philippine Textile Council Founder and Chairman Emeritus Maria Isabel “Maribel” Ongpin, and Museo ng Kaalamáng Katutubò Founder Corazon S. Alvina

Overview of the guests who attended the Heritage Talks at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini in the DFA