Aklan Piña Mantra and LGU Kalibo Named Visayas Grand Winner at Galing Likha 2026 Amazing Weaves Distinction Awards

Kalibo, Aklan — Aklan Province once again brought pride to the Visayas as Aklan Piña Mantra Association, Inc., together with the Local Government Unit of Kalibo, was officially recognized as the Visayas Grand Winner during the Galing Likha 2026: Amazing Weaves Distinction Awards (AWDA). The prestigious recognition was announced and showcased at the ASEAN Trade Expo: Way of the Weaves held at Okada Manila, Parañaque City, Metro Manila on 11 November 2026.

The Galing Likha 2026 AWDA is a standards-based recognition program that celebrates excellence in Philippine weaving traditions while honoring the country’s rich cultural diversity. Rather than serving as a competition among cultures, communities, or countries, the program
recognizes weaving communities, artisan groups, and partner local government units (LGUs) that demonstrate distinction in cultural safeguarding, craft excellence, sustainability, market readiness, fair livelihood outcomes, and enabling local governance.

Jointly organized by the Philippine Commission on Women, Women’s Business Council Philippines, Galing Pook Foundation, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of the Interior and Local Government, with support from the Department of Science and
Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the AWDA serves as a national platform that promotes weaving as both a treasured cultural heritage and a strategic driver of inclusive economic development.
Representing the province’s world-renowned piña weaving tradition, Kalibo’s winning entries showcased the artistry, heritage, and innovation of Aklanon weavers:

• AWDA2026-00024 – Red Pineapple Artcrafts Diagonal Aklan Piña Mantra Haboe Piña
• AWDA2026-00022 – La Herminia Weaving Industry Haboe Piña Suksok

The entries highlighted the exceptional craftsmanship of Aklan’s weaving communities while demonstrating how traditional piña weaving continues to create sustainable livelihoods and expand opportunities for local artisans in domestic and international markets.

As one of only three Grand Winners nationwide representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the Kalibo-Aklan entry will receive a ₱150,000 financial grant dedicated to strengthening community weaving infrastructure and supporting enterprise development initiatives for local weaving communities.

The recognition underscores the strong collaboration among local government, weaving enterprises, artisan communities, and development partners in preserving Aklan’s centuries-old piña weaving tradition while ensuring its relevance in today’s evolving marketplace.

“We congratulate the LGU of Kalibo, Aklan Piña Mantra, Red Pineapple Artcrafts, and La Herminia Weaving Industry for this remarkable achievement. This recognition is a testament to the talent, dedication, and resilience of our Aklanon weavers who continue to preserve our rich piña weaving heritage while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for their communities.

DTI-Aklan remains committed to supporting the growth and global promotion of Aklan’s world- renowned piña products,” said Grace M. Benedicto, OIC-Provincial Director of DTI Aklan.

More than an award, the achievement affirms that Aklan’s rich weaving heritage remains a powerful tool for cultural preservation, women’s empowerment, community development, and inclusive economic growth. Through the continued promotion of authentic Filipino craftsmanship, Aklan stands as a model for how heritage and innovation can work together to create opportunities for future generations.