A ceremonial “Map Dressing” of Tarlac province was held at the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) TELA Gallery in Bicutan, Taguig City, on July 20 to promote the province’s weaving and crocheting industry.

The event, attended by Governor Christian Tell Yap, Melissa Yeung-Yap, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., DOST Director Julius Leaño Jr., MaYap Weavers and Crocheters Livelihood leader Marie Claire Banda, and DOST-PTRI personnel, also marked the deployment of DOST-PTRI Crochet Yarns.

The project is a partnership among the Provincial Government of Tarlac, DOST-PTRI, and the Tarlac MaYap Weavers and Crocheters Livelihood.

Yap highlighted the skills and potential of Tarlaqueños, while Yeung-Yap said the province’s Tarlac KanLahi weave is helping preserve local culture while creating livelihood opportunities.

The MaYap Weavers and Crocheters, also known as the MaYap Tarlac Crochetings Livelihood Association, has nearly 900 members, including 80 weavers and 780 crocheters, who are being trained by the provincial government in traditional hand-loomed and crocheted crafts.