Legarda pushes for strengthened synergy in local textile industry

Deputy Speaker and Antique Lone District Representative Loren Legarda today called for a strengthened synergy in the local textile industry in order to provide stable income in the country’s textile communities.

Legarda, a well-known advocate of the local textile industry, made the call following the turnover today of the cotton processing center in the municipality of Patnongon, in her home province of Antique. This was made possible through her support and through funding given under the 2018 GAA under the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFiDA).

Apart from the cotton processing center launched today, there are two other cotton processing centers that have been supported by Legarda, located in Pinili, Ilocos Norte, and Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur. Legarda also supported the funding for the establishment of weaving and processing centers in other areas in the country, namely in Kiangan, Ifugao; Tibiao, Pandan and Bugasong, Antique; Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur; Miag-ao, Iloilo and Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental. The establishment of pineapple farm and extraction facilities in Balete, Aklan, which is set to be turned over this week, and in San Vicente, Camarines Norte, have also been supported by Legarda.

“Support has to be sustained at the grassroots. From production up to supply, we have to make sure that the needs of our local weaving communities are met,” Legarda said.

Apart from the establishment of weaving centers, Legarda, as then Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, also supported the production of cotton, providing assistance for such, under the 2016 and 2017 GAA. Cotton farms have been established in Pinili, Ilocos Norte, San Fabian Pangasinan, Iloilo (Miag-ao, Tigbauan, Alimodan), Patnongon, Antique, Bayawan, Negros Occidental, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur, and Alabel, South Cotabato.

“Behind every textile is a great synergy of a weaver’s mind, heart and soul unleashed through its loom. Behind every cloth spun from threads of various origin and colors is a story of a weaver’s relationship with the loom. It is the weaver’s passion and life that we should acknowledge and protect, and we can do this by making sure that they are well-supported,” Legarda concluded.***