Ilocos norte: The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) has organized the inaugural Philippine Handloom Weaving Festival (PHWF) in Ilocos Norte, running from November 19 to 22. This event has brought together over 100 weavers from around 40 weaving communities along with textile enthusiasts and researchers.

According to Philippines News Agency, the festival was organized in collaboration with the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Norte Tourism, Cebu Pacific Air, Robinsons Ilocos, and the local government of Taguig. The PHWF aims to celebrate and preserve the art of traditional weaving, showcasing its cultural significance and the integration of modern science and technology.

The festival also included an immersion and heritage tour from November 17 to 18, visiting key weaving and cultural landmarks in La Union and the Ilocos Region. Participants explored the Sericulture Research and Development Institute (SRDI) in Bacnotan, La Union, visited the Bangar Weaving Village, Rowilda's Loom Weaving in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, and several historic sites in Ilocos Norte such as Paoay Church and the Malaca±ang of the North.

At Robinsons Ilocos, a variety of activities have been scheduled from November 19 to 22. These include the Hinabi Textile Bazaar, a marketplace for locally woven textiles and handmade products, and Textile exchange and fora, which facilitate discussions among weavers, designers, and textile innovators. Additionally, a Techno demo weaving workshop provides hands-on demonstrations of weaving techniques, and the Philippine Ikat symposium offers a platform to address relevant issues faced by Philippine Ikat communities. The KatHABI Exhibit showcases textile innovations and design collaborations.

The PHWF underscores the cultural roots of traditional weaving while highlighting the enhancements brought by scientific and technological advancements.