DSWD Execs, SOCA Leaders, Learn Aklan Craftmanship During ASEAN Summit 2026

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) led by Sec. Rex Gatchalian together with leaders of the Senior Officials Committee for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA) visited and learned the craftsmanship of Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) participants from Western Visayas especially those fron Aklan during the last day of the ASEAN Hiraya Exhibit held in Manila on November 4-6, 2026.

Piña weaver Elizabeth Rasonable from Banga, Aklan, demonstrated to the delegates attending the 36th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting and the 41st Senior Official’s Committee for the ASCC (SOCA) Meeting, the process of knotting piña fibers. Elizabeth’s daughter, Jezl Vieve , also introduced the different products made from piña, including fabrics such as callado, raya, pichera, soksok, barong, and Filipiniana, as well as various accessories.

On the other hand, Gilda Salbibio and Jannice Porras of the Malaynon Ati Tribal Association from Malay, Aklan, also demonstrated the process of nito weaving and accessory making. Also, they introduced their other products, including trays, earrings, leis, coasters, and pouches.

Meanwhile, on their part, Josefina Delos Santos of Sto. Rosario, Pandan, Antique, demonstrated bariw and buri weaving. She also showcased the handmade bags produced by their organization, the Sto. Rosario Multipurpose Cooperative.

The weeklong activity provided an opportunity for the participants to showcase their products, culture, and stories not only to Filipinos but also to international audiences. It also gave them a sense of pride in their local crafts while helping them generate income and sustain their livelihood enterprises.

Lastly, other than Sec. Gatchalian, among those who visited the participants’ booths were DSWD undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, and directors, who showed their support by purchasing the participants’ products/dswd6/cdf

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