While the value of handloom weaving is "constantly changing," weaving is still able to significantly empower Filipino women, artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, according to the British Council in the Philippines.
Based on its report "Crafting Futures--sustaining handloom weaving in the Philippines," the Council said that the constant change in the Philippine tradition of weaving is often influenced by global trends, like the circular economy, the market, or personal circumstances of weavers who are mostly women and mothers.
The study also found that some collaboration with designers and government agencies have kept culture at the forefront of the practice, allowing the skill and heritage to continue.
Country Director Pilar Aramayo-Prudencio noted how the Philippines' vibrant and diverse culture is reflected in its cultural heritage and emerging practices of artisans at present.
"While there are various reports on the wider craft industries in the Philippines, we identified a need for an updated study on handloom weaving given the sector’s motivations to reinvent and propel itself into the local and global craft scene," she said.
The report recommended the continuous education, community investment, and holistic interventions for the sector to thrive.
A more detailed discussion on the state of handloom weaving and wider craft sector in the country will be conducted by the British Council in the Philippines through a digital gathering on August 8.
"The Crafting Futures programme is designed to celebrate the value of craft in our history, culture and in the world today…bringing together designers, craft practitioners in organisations from around the world to explore the possibilities for the future of craft," Katia Stewart, Global Programme Manager Crafting Futures, said of the program.
The activity, which is in partnership with Muni, a sustainability communications company, aims to share the report with artisans, designers, entrepreneurs, and decision makers to co-create a sustainable future for and through craft.
It also seeks to contribute to more sustainable and resilient societies through research, collaboration and new networks between the Philippines, United Kingdom, and other parts of the world.