To help sustain and promote a culture that has continued to flourish despite several generational twists, Cebu Technological University – Argao Campus’ Hanyag sa Pangalagad (HALAGAD) tapped the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood Faculty of Argao National High School and job shadowers wherein a 2– day workshop in beginner handloom weaving and hands-on exploration of the Hablon sa Argao hand weaving process were offered. Day 2 of the event was held at the Handloom Weaving Center of CTU- AC on November 24, 2022, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
“Gusto nato ifocus ang kani man gud nga sa Hablon, kay gusto tag revival unya kanang..masustain pod gyud no. Kay kultura man gud ni, di’ angay kalimtan. So ang mahitabo, ‘di man gyud sya pwede moingon lang ta’g estoryahon gani nato tanan. Kinahanglan jud motrain ta sa younger generations,” Dr. Jima Bejagan, the BTLEd chairperson, stated.
The workshop, which aims to aid in the making of Instructional Materials about handloom weaving, began with an ice breaker and getting-to-know-each-other game joined by 3rd-year students of Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLEd) and teachers, different CTU – AC student organization representatives, ANHS TVL faculty, and the foreign guests – Fabric Republic representatives. This was then followed by Fabric Republic’s Managing Director, Athena Pilitzidou, as she shared crucial activities and processes done by Fabric Republic in terms of managing clothing, from receiving orders to donating the fabrics to those who need them for free.
Professor Mildred G. Martinez, the extension services Coordinator of CTU-AC and one of the BTLEd faculty, took over after to share her experiences at the Erasmus Care What You(th) Wear Project where she was given the opportunity to work with people in the Fabric Republic at Athens, Greece.
After this, the IASIS NGO Creative and Design Coordinator, Ines Mateus, gave a digital communication workshop to the attendees.
It was then followed by the closing activity in which the attendees were given the chance to express their perceptions and impressions about the HANYAG: Halagad Project.
To conclude the event, certificates were distributed to the participants and for the closing remarks, Dr. Jima Bejagan gave her heartfelt words.
Words by Mitchfel Gail Amamence and Chabelita Hontiveros