Training overview
Talisay City, Negros Occidental — Advancing local heritage preservation and sustainable livelihood development, the City Government of Talisay, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), launched a five-day Advanced Handloom Weaving Training for 15 members of the Zone 3 Weavers Association at the Dela Rama Hall, New Talisay City Hall.
Running from October 26 to 30, 2026, the capacity-building program aims to enhance technical weaving capabilities, refine product design standards, and build sustainable enterprise opportunities for local weavers.
Group photo of participants, facilitators, and officials at the Advanced Handloom Weaving Training in Dela Rama Hall, New Talisay City Hall.
Technical skills training and material innovation
Under the instruction of DOST-PTRI specialists Melody Lavamana (Research Analyst) and Li-Ann Pulmones (Project Technical Aide III), participants are undergoing specialized modules covering complex loom setup, precision pattern construction, and multi-color yarn arrangement.
The curriculum also introduces material experimentation, guiding weavers in combining traditional textile threads with non-conventional elements such as beads and organic twigs to create high-value artisan items for expanding commercial markets.
Handloom machine donation and livelihood hub
To ensure continuous production beyond the training period, DOST-PTRI turned over five new handloom weaving machines alongside technical support for three existing looms.
Following the course, the handlooms will be permanently installed at the Barangay Zone 3 Weaving Hub. The facility will serve as a shared community production center, enabling local artisans to process commercial orders, develop original textile lines, and generate steady household income.
Inter-agency administration and economic alignment
The initiative is facilitated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) headed by Dionela Madrona, alongside Women's Focal Person Krishna Mae Cordero and Unit Coordinator Marivic Kikuchi.
Also present during the opening session was Jonah M. Javier, Assistant Department Head of the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO), highlighting the integration of grassroots skills training into the city's broader economic investment strategy.
Community economic empowerment
Conducted under the administration of Mayor Atty. Weng Lizares, the program reinforces LGU Talisay's Gwapa nga Panghimanwa agenda by linking traditional craft preservation with long-term economic self-reliance across all local communities.