DTI, DOST help Antique develop ‘patadyong’ industry

UNIQUE PJ Arañador, Department of Trade and Industry consultant, shows a handwoven patadyong (wrap-around garment) at the close of the Fiesta Haraya: Patadyong Design Trends Conference in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique on Friday (Nov. 29, 2024). Arañador said the handwoven fabric gives Antiqueños a sense of identity. (PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique — Antiqueños are encouraged to patronize the handwoven “patadyong” (wrap-around garment) because it gives them a sense of identity.

The Antique handwoven fabric is distinct from that of other places, according to PJ Arañador, a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) consultant and resource person, during the two-day Fiesta Haraya: Patadyong Design Trends Conference that culminated here Friday.

“Patadyong is being considered as the soul of Antiqueños, being an indigenous textile,” he said.

He noted that the patadyong dates back to the pre-Hispanic time when Antique peasant women would wear it as their everyday clothing.

He also said that Antique’s textile is distinct because it is plaid or checkered and colorful.

“Patadyong from a peasants’ fabric used to have a subdued color. Now, it evolved to have a tropical festive color worn during special occasions,” he said.

He said that through time, the patadyong that came from the Hiligaynon term “tadlong” or straight as a tubular wrap-around now has contemporary designs for streetwear and bags.

He believes the fabric should be sustained through the support of locals.

“The artisans (loom weavers) should also be able to translate their effort to earn a living and to make their lives better,” Arañador said.

He mentioned that in India and other countries, people use their locally made textiles to support the artisans and sustain their indigenous craft.

The Department of Science and Trade (DOST) has put up a natural dye hub in San Remigio for the handwoven fabric.

The DTI trains weavers in design and marketing.

The Bagtason Loom Weaving Center in Bugasong, meanwhile, serves as a production center of handwoven fabric, providing livelihood for the residents.