Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda delivered an engaging lecture on Philippine weaving tradition entitled, Piňa-Seda Weaving and Embroidery in the Philippines, before students and professors of Ruhr University on 15 October 2019 in Bochum, Germany.
She underscored that “the piňa–seda weaving and embroidery are only a few of hundreds of stories of the Philippine weavers.” She expressed hope that through the combined efforts of her office and the Consulate, the Philippines can further enrich the Philippine weaving tradition and make the piňa–seda textile a prized item in Germany and the rest of Europe.
The Deputy Speaker explained the process of piňa-seda weaving and embroidery for piňa-seda, and expounded on the importance of promoting traditional textiles as they bring together industries, communities, and people.
“The strengthening of the local tropical fabrics industry is attuned to our advocacy of promoting sustainable development and preserving our rich heritage. It will also provide jobs especially for those in the countryside. Furthermore, it unlocks the creativity of Filipinos, which is overflowing,” the Deputy Speaker said.
Consul General Evelyn D. Austria-Garcia expressed appreciation to Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) officials, professors and students and hoped that the Deputy Speaker’s lecture has sparked further interest in Philippine culture and studies.
The event is the first time that a high-level elected Philippine government official delivered such lecture at the German University. The activity forms part of the Consulate’s efforts to promote Philippine culture under its jurisdiction. It is also an offshoot of the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Travelling Exhibition, an exhibition featuring piňa-seda woven and embroidered fabrics from Aklan weavers and Laguna embroiderers, that was presented by the Consulate in November last year.
The lecture signals the start of a series of lectures, conference, seminars, and other activities concerning the Philippines at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) in line with the agreement that was signed by the Consulate and RUB to promote Philippine studies earlier in the day. END