Legarda Wears with Pride Antique’s Patadyong at SONA 2020

To convey her pride and unwavering support for Antique’s culture, tradition, and livelihood, Deputy Speaker and Representative of the Lone District of Antique wore the famous handwoven patadyong with pinilian design during the 5th State of Nation Address of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Patadyong weaving is part of Antique’s age-old tradition and has been one of Antiqueño’s source of income and livelihood. The Bagtason weavers from the town of Bugasong in the Province of Antique are well-known for weaving the patadyong with pinilian design. The designs on the patadyong may range from the sampaguita trademark, to the balay-balay (nipa hut), kinantong (petals), sungi-sungi (cross), and diamond shapes, placed symmetrically and repeatedly at the center of each panid, known as the solid square-shaped part of the samay, using plain white threads or a combination of colored threads depending on the desired color scheme of the weaver. Known to be a versatile textile, the patadyong can also be used as an infant carrier and as a hammock, among others, and is usually worn as a wraparound skirt, worn at home or in the fields. Before World War II, it was usually accompanied by an embroidered kimono by well-off women. Nowadays, the patadyong can also be made into shawls, scarves, and handkerchiefs.

Legarda, who supports micro and small enterprises, and author of the law, has been providing support to the Bagtason Loom Weavers Association and other weavers nationwide through various projects such as provision of cotton seeds, planting of Tayum, improvement and creation of weaving centers, trade fairs with dti, as well as trainings from the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI).