Preserving handloom weaving tradition in Argao with upgraded machines

ARGAO, Cebu— The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Central Visayas in partnership with Cebu Technological University (CTU) – Argao Campus, launched on May 20 the upgraded Shared Service Facility (SSF) for Handloom Weaving worth P4.034M to preserve Cebu’s rich handloom weaving tradition.

“Today’s launch is not just about equipment—it is a celebration of culture, innovation, and community resilience,” DTI 7 Acting-Regional Director Esperanza Melgar said at the ceremonial turnover at CTU-Argao Campus.

Melgar said, the SSF program is a flagship initiative of the DTI that aims to improve the productivity and efficiency of MSMEs by giving them access to better technologies and shared facilities. 

“The handloom weaving SSF in Argao was first launched in 2016 and turned over in 2022 and it continues to empowering rural artisans and reviving the almost-lost tradition of hablon—a form of traditional weaving with deep roots in Cebuano history,” Melgar shared. 

The project costs about P 4.034 million with the upgraded facility introducing three large crochet overlock sewing machines and a cutting-edge EEVA Loom Weaving Machine to strengthen the production capabilities and design innovation of the Hinablon sa Cebu social enterprise, currently supporting 33 weavers, 26 sewers, and 90 product finishers, impacting 149 families in the region.

The new EEVA loom, the first of its kind in the Philippines is equipped with eight shafts and treadles, integrates with WeavePoint, a specialized textile design software that enables advanced pattern-making, faster prototyping, and effective archiving of traditional designs. According to Melgar, its arrival marks a historic first for the Philippine textile sector and places Argao at the forefront of weaving innovation in the country.

HATEKA applications of this technology

One of the most inspiring applications of this technology is HATEKA, Hanyag sa Matematika, an extension project of CTU’s Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics. HATEKA bridges mathematics and traditional weaving to transform communities, preserve culture, and ignite creativity. 

In collaboration with Holistic Coalition of the Willing (HoliCOW), the Hinablon sa Cebu Center, and local weaving communities in Argao, HATEKA empowers students to apply mathematical principles such as symmetry, tessellations, and graph theory in designing textiles.

Using WeavePoint, students created 35 new weave designs, and successfully translated 17 of them into actual Hinablon fabrics, showcasing the potential of fusing tradition with innovation. The project also trained 37 student extensionists, produced 90 unique weave drafts, and launched a Weave Draft Directory to support ongoing design development, DTI-7 bared.

For its innovative approach, HATEKA was recently awarded the Red Award by the Good Design Award Philippines 2024 and was also recognized by the Good Design Award Japan 2024, Melgar said that this initiative aligns with DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque’s five-point agenda for SME development: Digitalization and AI, Diversification, Funding, Franchising, and Mentoring & Learning. 

“It also showcases DTI’s commitment to fostering heritage-based industries that are future-ready. The upgraded SSF for Handloom Weaving is not only a step forward in preserving cultural heritage—it is a beacon of innovation, community empowerment, and inclusive growth,” Melgar said.

The upgraded SSF in Argao marks the third major SSF launch in Cebu for 2025, having launched SSF for Milk Processing at the Arapal Livelihood Center in Bogo City on April 5 and the CIT-U AI FabLab in Cebu City on May 8 this year. 

DTI-7 establishes 176 SSF projects in Cebu

As of this writing, DTI-7 has established 176 cumulative SSF projects, with 102 turned over to cooperators with Cebu province accounting for 81 of these projects, representing 45% of the region’s SSF portfolio.

The SSF for Hand Loom Weaving at CTU – Argao has undergone multiple phases of enhancement since its initial establishment in 2016, with the goal of empowering local artisans and strengthening the region’s Gifts, Décor, and Housewares (GDH) sector. 

Initially funded with ₱825K the facility was equipped with several loom weaving machines of varying DPI specifications to support the production of handloom woven fabrics such as towels, fashion apparel, and diploma holders. 

Recognizing the potential of the weaving sector, DTI-7 added investments including the ₱1.8 million funding in 2018 for embroidery machines and digitizing software to integrate modern textile embellishment. 

In 2021, DTI-7 upgraded the project with a ₱1.998 million fund provided for advanced loom equipment, accessories, and prototype looms, significantly improving production efficiency and design innovation. 

Melgar said, these SSF investments position CTU-Argao as the leading institution for sustainable textile production and creative industry development in Southern Cebu.

“Together with CTU-Argao, LGU Argao, our local creatives, and community stakeholders, we continue to weave a future that is innovative, inclusive, and proudly Tatak Pinoy,” Melgar concluded. (Photos: CTU-Argao)