TAGUIG CITY — The province of Tarlac took a significant step forward in advancing its local weaving and crocheting industry as the ceremonial “Map Dressing” of the province was held at the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), TELA Gallery in Bicutan on July 20.
The event, attended by Governor Christian Yap, his wife Melissa Yeung-Yap, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., DOST-PTRI Director Julius Leaño Jr., MaYap Weavers and Crocheters Livelihood leader Marie Claire Banda, and the entire DOST-PTRI staff, also marked the deployment of DOST-PTRI Crochet Yarns to support local artisans.
The Map Dressing project is a collaboration between the Provincial Government of Tarlac, DOST-PTRI, and the Tarlac MaYap Weavers and Crocheters Livelihood.
In his message, Gov. Yap highlighted the remarkable talent of Tarlaqueños, saying,
“We engaged one of our talents who manufactures bags for the longest time. They said they cannot leave our province even if they can go to a better site in Manila, dahil mataas talaga ang potential ng aming mga ka-probinsya sa Tarlac. Nakakaproud ang Mayap Weavers and Crocheters Livelihood. Maraming salamat kay Sec. Solidum at sa buong DOST-PTRI sa mainit na pagtanggap at sa de-kalidad na yarns para sa ating komunidad.“
Yeung-Yap, in an interview, revealed that Tarlac now has its own distinct identity in the weaving industry.
“We are creating history and enhancing our culture and creating livelihood opportunities with these weaving trainings and weaving projects. May own design na po tayo, Tarlac lang mayroon,” she said.
The MaYap Weavers and Crocheters, also known as the MaYap Tarlac Crochetings Livelihood Association, currently has close to 900 members—comprising 80 weavers and 780 crocheters—who are being trained by the provincial government. The group is known for its traditional hand-loomed and crocheted creations.
Governor Yap emphasized the province’s vision for industrialization, stating,
“Kaya matagal kaming nag-usap ni Sec kanina kasi we want to be more industrial-oriented, industrial policies na pino-promote namin sa province of Tarlac to create jobs. Kasi we believe that for us, the highest level of service that you can extend to our people is to create jobs to empower them.“
He also expressed the province’s aspiration to establish a factory and become a weaving destination, noting the high potential and crafting talent of Tarlaqueños. He assured that the provincial government would continue to support the industry’s growth and thanked DOST for its collaboration and support in making the initiative possible.
The initiative reflects the continuing support and efforts of the Provincial Government of Tarlac, led by Governor Christian Yap alongside Vice Governor Lita Aquino, to promote local arts, livelihood, and the innate skill of weavers and workers across the province.
