23 September 2014 - In time for the Christmas season, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Office of the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations, Cultural Diplomacy Unit (OUIER-CDU), in partnership with the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), launched the exhibit, “Habi: Noon at Ngayon”, at the DFA Lobby on September 23.  The exhibit is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., from September 23 to 26.

In line with the DFA’s economic and cultural diplomacy initiatives, the exhibit aims to introduce Philippine fabrics and showcase Filipino craftsmanship.  The proceeds from the exhibit will help support and sustain the livelihood of indigenous weavers who are mostly women.

Among the exhibitors are La Herminia, Development Action for Women Network (DAWN), ECHOSi Foundation/Great Women, CustomMade Crafts Center, Inc., Kingsmen Corporation, Rurungan sa Tubod Foundation and Nooks Manufacturing.

Items on exhibit include fabrics, clothes, bags, handbags, table runners, shawls, computer and phone cases and other various accessories. END