Pamana Agham Exhibit to Highlight Fusion of Science and the Traditional Art of Philippine Weaves 

The influence of science and technology on culture and the arts, and similarly, how culture and history are reflected in the technologies that are produced in a certain era, are so seamless that few notice the mutually impactful influence of these disciplines on each other. The upcoming exhibition called “Pamana Agham: Siyensya sa Bawat Habi at Hibla” will bring that relationship to the forefront as it focuses on how innovative technologies and processes are changing the traditional craft of weaving and textile production without sacrificing the authenticity of traditional weaves made of Philippine Tropical Fibers (PTFs).  

The “Pamana Agham: Siyensya sa Bawat Habi at Hibla” is scheduled to be held from August 28-29, 2024, at the historic Walled City of Intramuros. It is a collaborative undertaking among the Department of Science and Technology-NCR (DOST-NCR), the DOST- Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), Intramuros Administration (IA), Partnerships for Sustainability Education (PSE), and the Department of Tourism (DOT).    

Visitors to the fair will have a lot of things to see and experience, including the launching of PTRI’s Safatos Program; the Pamanang Habi, a fashion show that will feature PTRI’s collection from their KatHABI PTFs Reimagined and the PSE Sustainable Fashion Show; the KatHABI Textile Innovation Exhibit, Sining Siyensya, TelaHanga, and Tiny Thread Talk, a sewing workshop for children.   

In a pre-event press conference held at the PTRI’s Tela Gallery, DOST-NCR Regional Director Engr. Romelen T. Tresvalles said that aside from demonstrating the fusion of science and the arts, Pamana Agham is one of the initiatives under the agency’s Science Beyond Borders campaign, which promotes an out-of-the-box view of science, technology, and innovation (STI).   

According to RD Tresvalles, “We want to show people that STI is in our day-to-day lives and is not merely confined in laboratories of research institutions and colleges and universities. We also want to de-mystify STI and let people know that science is practiced and created by everyone from all walks of life, to encourage a wider appreciation of STI, especially among the youth.”  

For his part, PTRI Director Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr. said that the exhibit will show that textiles are everywhere, contrary to the common notion that only equates textile to garments. Side by side with new weaving technologies that have been developed by PTRI will be handcrafted weaves, with each weave a statement of a family’s or a region’s history, values, and all that they hold dear.  

At the same press conference was Ms. Reina Cedeño from DOST-NCR’s new partner Partnerships for Sustainability Education (PSE), an NGO which is committed to promoting sustainability, through the conduct of events, dialogues, fora, and leadership training programs for teachers, and businesses. Among the panel was JCSUPT Clint Russel A Tangeres, CESE, Regional Director of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology- NCR. BJMP-NCR has been the recipient of many technical and livelihood trainings organized by DOST-NCR, which aim to provide Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) with appropriate skills to enable them to earn a living after their time inside the facility. JCSUPT Tangeres aired his hope that more organizations will partner with the BJMP, especially in providing jobs to former PDLs, to truly ensure their successful re-integration in society.  

RD Tresvalles  also announced at the conference that they are starting a silent auction of paintings that have been made by the PDLs. Proceeds from the sale of the paintings will go directly to the accounts of the PDLs and their families. Those who are interested to bid may view the paintings at the DOST-NCR’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dost.ncr  

By: Pinky Marcelo, SCCU