Aklan weavers recognized for role in UNESCO inscription

Source: Manila Bulletin

ILOILO CITY - Weavers who were beneficiaries of a program by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) were recognized for their role in the inscription of Aklan into a list by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

WEAVERS from Aklan were recognized in a ceremony led by Gov. Jose Enrique 'Joen' Miraflores (center) for their role in the inclusion of the province's piña handloom weaving industry into the list of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. (DSWD/SLP-Aklan)

The provincial government of Aklan recognized beneficiaries of the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program for their role in the inclusion of the Aklan piña handloom weaving industry into the list of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage released last December.

Honored in a ceremony led by Gov. Jose Enrique "Joen" Miraflores were Gemma Dalida, Merly A. Cualing, Ofelia T. Francisco, and Normita T. Puod.

Along with DSWD's SLP officer for Aklan Aimee Abata, they were cited for their role in facilitating community-based activities that were part of the process for the UNESCO inscription.

The DSWD has backed the initiatives for UNESCO inclusion since 2018.

SLP beneficiaries from the towns of Balete, Makato, and Tangalan were chosen for the cultural heritage inscription process through the Non-Timber Forest Products Exchange Programme (NTFP-EP).