A person operating a handloom weaving machine in Argao, Cebu, with a poster about the HATEKA (HANYAG sa Matematika) project in the foreground, highlighting the integration of mathematics into traditional weaving practices.

CEBU – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 7, in partnership with Cebu Technological University (CTU) – Argao Campus, officially launched the upgraded Shared Service Facility (SSF) for Handloom Weaving on May 20, 2025, reinforcing efforts to preserve Cebu’s rich handloom weaving tradition while boosting local economic development.

With a total project cost of PhP 4.034 million—PhP 2.034 million from DTI and PhP 2 million from CTU—the upgraded facility introduces three large crochet overlock sewing machines and a cutting-edge EEVA Loom Weaving Machine. These additions will strengthen the production capabilities and design innovation of the Hinablon sa Cebu social enterprise, currently supporting 33 weavers, 26 sewers, and 90 product finishers, impacting 149 families in the region.

“Today’s launch is not just about equipment—it is a celebration of culture, innovation, and community resilience,” said DTI 7 Acting-Regional Director Esperanza Melgar during the ceremonial turnover held at CTU-Argao Campus.

The SSF program is a flagship initiative of the DTI that aims to improve the productivity and efficiency of MSMEs by giving them access to better technologies and shared facilities. The handloom weaving SSF in Argao, first launched in 2016 and turned over in 2022, continues to serve as a vital platform for empowering rural artisans and reviving the almost-lost tradition of hablon—a form of traditional weaving with deep roots in Cebuano history.

The new EEVA loom, the first of its kind in the Philippines, equipped with eight shafts and treadles, integrates with WeavePoint, a specialized textile design software that enables advanced pattern-making, faster prototyping, and effective archiving of traditional designs. According to Acting-RD Melgar, its arrival marks a historic first for the Philippine textile sector and places Argao at the forefront of weaving innovation in the country.

A person standing beside a computer displaying a red and white geometric pattern, with posters in the background detailing TESDA-funded skills training and livelihood projects held in April and May 2024.

One of the most inspiring applications of this technology is HATEKA, Hanyag sa Matematika, an extension project of CTU’s Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics. HATEKA bridges mathematics and traditional weaving to transform communities, preserve culture, and ignite creativity. In collaboration with HoliCOW (Holistic Coalition of the Willing), the Hinablon sa Cebu Center, and local weaving communities in Argao, HATEKA empowers students to apply mathematical principles such as symmetry, tessellations, and graph theory in designing textiles.

Using WeavePoint, students created 35 new weave designs, and successfully translated 17 of them into actual Hinablon fabrics, showcasing the potential of fusing tradition with innovation. The project also trained 37 student extensionists, produced 90 unique weave drafts, and launched a Weave Draft Directory to support ongoing design development. For its innovative approach, HATEKA was recently awarded the Red Award by the Good Design Award Philippines 2024, and was also recognized by the Good Design Award Japan 2024.

According to Acting-RD Melgar, this initiative aligns with DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque’s five-point agenda for SME development: Digitalization and AI, Diversification, Funding, Franchising, and Mentoring & Learning. It also showcases DTI’s commitment to fostering heritage-based industries that are future-ready.

A group of people standing in front of the Cebu Technological University - Argao Campus building, with a sign displaying contact details for the Social Enterprise Director and DTI-Cebu representative.

The upgraded SSF in Argao marks the third major SSF launch in Cebu for 2025. On April 5, DTI launched an SSF for Milk Processing at the Arapal Livelihood Center in Bogo City. On May 8, it inaugurated the CIT-U AI FabLab in Cebu City. These initiatives span a wide range of industries—from food processing and digital fabrication to heritage textile production—demonstrating DTI’s holistic approach to industry development in Central Visayas.

As of today, DTI Region 7 has established 176 cumulative SSF projects, with 102 turned over to cooperators. Cebu province accounts for 81 of these projects, representing 45% of the region’s SSF portfolio.

A group of people participating in the ceremonial launching of the Upgraded Shared Service Facility for Food Processing and Weaving, with a banner in the background and documents being signed at a table.

“The upgraded SSF for Handloom Weaving is not only a step forward in preserving cultural heritage—it is a beacon of innovation, community empowerment, and inclusive growth,” said Acting-RD Melgar.

The SSF for Hand Loom Weaving at CTU – Argao has undergone multiple phases of enhancement since its initial establishment in 2016, with the goal of empowering local artisans and strengthening the region’s Gifts, Décor, and Housewares sector. Initially funded with ₱825,000.00, the facility was equipped with several loom weaving machines of varying DPI specifications to support the production of handloom woven fabrics such as towels, fashion apparel, and diploma holders. 

Recognizing the potential of the weaving sector, additional investments followed, including the ₱1.8 million funding in 2018 for embroidery machines and digitizing software to integrate modern textile embellishment. Further upgrading in 2021 through a ₱1.998 million fund provided advanced loom equipment, accessories, and prototype looms, significantly improving production efficiency and design innovation. According to Acting-RD Melgar, these SSF investments position CTU-Argao as a leading institution for sustainable textile production and creative industry development in Southern Cebu.

“Together with CTU-Argao, LGU Argao, our local creatives, and community stakeholders, we continue to weave a future that is innovative, inclusive, and proudly Tatak Pinoy,” she added. (DTI 7/PR) ♦

Date of Release: 21 May 2025

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