The University of the Philippines Visayas – Center for West Visayan Studies (UPV-CWVS) facilitated consultation meetings for the project, “Pagrara: Exploring Northwestern Panay Weaving Heritage,” at the University of the Philippines Visayas extension facility in Antique (UPV – ECA), Nauring, Pandan, Antique, from August 6-7, 2026.
On August 6, representatives from the local government units (LGUs) of Libertad, Pandan, Ibajay, Nabas, and Buruanga, together with the Antique Provincial Tourism Office, convened to discuss the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a proposed inter-LGU alliance aimed at safeguarding and promoting the pagrara weaving heritage of Northwestern Panay.
The proposed MOU initially covers the LGUs of Libertad, Pandan, Ibajay, and Nabas, which have been engaged in the project since its inception. Buruanga, participating for the first time, also expressed interest in the initiative.
Recognizing pagrara as both a shared cultural tradition and a potential driver of local economic development, the participants highlighted the significance of sustained inter-LGU collaboration to ensure its preservation while enhancing its livelihood and tourism potential. The Antique Provincial Tourism Office also provided recommendations on integrating pagrara into tourism development initiatives.
On August 7, representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and partner LGUs explored opportunities to strengthen educational and skills training initiatives related to pagrara. Discussions focused on: 1) existing policies and institutional initiatives that could support the safeguarding, promotion, and development of pagrara; 2) strategies for integrating pagrara into formal education and skills training programs, including the support needed to facilitate such integration; 3) competencies and standards to guide the development of a certification program for pagrara; and 4) the roles of DepEd, TESDA, LGUs, and other stakeholders in advancing these initiatives.
Participants included representatives from TESDA Aklan and Antique, the Schools Division of Antique, Alternative Learning System (ALS) teachers from the Districts of Ibajay West, Ibajay East, Nabas, Pandan, and Libertad, and representatives from Pandan LGU.
The Pagrara Project is implemented by the University of the Philippines – Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP – CIDS) under its Local and Regional Studies Network (LRSN) through the UPV – CWVS.
Written by Sashah Dioso
Photos by Ericka Paula Galvan and Estrella Nadine Ilinon
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