San francisco: The timeless art of Inabel weaving continues to shine as artisans and cultural advocates share Northern Luzon's rich textile heritage with the world. On June 9-10, a pop-up event celebrating the craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation of artisans in this northern part of Luzon will be held in the San Francisco Bay Area in the United States through the so-called 'RIMAT TI AMIANAN: Inabel Weaves of Ilocos'.

According to Philippines News Agency, 'We encourage our micro, small, and medium enterprises to adapt and innovate for the global market,' said Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 1 (Ilocos Region) Director Merlie Membrere in a Thursday interview, adding that several MSMEs will join the pop-up event in San Francisco, California, next week. Membrere stated that, through the DTI and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley, the opportunities for growth are endless for those daring enough to innovate and actively pursue global expansion.

During the two-day event, the DTI said there will be a product showcase of Inabel and Ilocano crafts, business-matching opportunities, and lectures and discussions on heritage and innovation, among others. Inabel, the traditional handwoven textile of the Ilocos Region, is renowned for its durability, intricate patterns, and deep cultural significance. Passed down through generations, the craft embodies the creativity and resilience of Ilocano communities.

At present, it remains an important symbol of Filipino heritage and a source of livelihood for local weavers, with recent efforts by the public and private sectors to preserve and promote Inabel weaving across the Pacific. Last month, an exhibit highlighting the weaving heritage of Ilocos Norte also opened in Los Angeles, California, as part of the 120th-anniversary commemoration of the Sakada migration. Called 'INabel: Living Threads,' the exhibit was personally launched by Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos and highlighted inabel weaving as part of Ilokano culture and identity among Filipinos overseas. It featured inabel textiles, fashion, and rare blankets from Ilocos Norte.