The Aklan Piña Handloom Weaving and Schools of Living Traditions of the Philippines Exhibit officially opened on October 15, 2024, at the Pas Perdu Hall of UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.

The opening ceremony was graced by notable guests, including H.E. Ms. Junever M. Mahilum-West, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to France; Mr. Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture; Director Fumiko Ohinata; NCCA Executive Director Eric Zerrudo, Deputy Executive Director Bernan Joseph Corpuz, and Program Management Chief Renee Talavera; UNACOM Secretary General Ivan Henares; National Museum of the Philippines Director General Jeremy Barns; Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores; Kalibo Mayor Juris Sucro; and Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu.

The exhibit highlights the piña textile, one of the Philippines’ most iconic fabrics, which was recently added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2023. Known for its delicate and intricate craftsmanship, the piña fabric is traditionally used to create garments such as the Barong Tagalog and Baro’t Saya. The exhibit also underscores the vital role of Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs) in passing down this craft to younger generations, ensuring its preservation.

In addition to showcasing the piña fabric, the exhibit features the tools used in its creation, including weaving looms, threads, and finished pieces made into traditional attire.

The Aklan Piña Handloom Weaving and the School of Living Traditions of the Philippines Exhibit is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the NCCA, Office of Senator Loren Legarda, Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines, Philippine Embassy in France, the UNESCO-Philippine National Commission, National Museum of the Philippines, the Province of Aklan, and the Municipality of Kalibo, Aklan. It will run at the Pas Perdu Hall of the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France from October 14-18, 2024.