Follow PH's handloom weavers with this app

LAOAG, Ilocos Norte — Get to know some of the handloom weavers in the Philippines with this app developed by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI).

"SalinHABI" was created under the DigiTELAzation Program, which aims to safeguard and promote traditional handloom weaving.

The app showcases an array of weave patters across the country through posts, where app users can like, comment, and share it. 

Contact details of the weavers were displayed on the app.

Among the exhibited weave patterns were Abra's Tinulbayan, a multi-Heddle weave; Iloilo's Hablon, a pattern characterized by flower and leaf fiagures; and Maguindanao's Inaul, which is known for rich colors and intricate craftsmanship.

Users can also be informed about the material, cultural significance, yarn type, loom type, and product use of the weave patterns.

It also features an interactive Philippine map, where users can navigate the location of the weave patters.

Meanwhile, the public can also be updated with the latest news of DOST-PTRI using the app. 

The DigiTELAzation Program was created under the mandate of the National Cultural Heritage Act as amended by Republic Act No. 11961, which emphasize the vital role of DOST in cultural mapping.

The first three parts of the program were the profiling of the weave patters through its Digital Handloom Weaving Registry, the digitalization of weave patters to safeguard and preserve traditional weave patters, and the creation of covert security markings to verify its authencity and avoid distribution of counterfeit products in the market. 

The initiatives of the DigiTELAzation Program were among the exhibit showcased during the National Science and Technology Week from November 18- 21 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. —AOL, GMA Integrated News