New modern patterns to boost Abel industry

NEW PATTERNS. An Abel exhibit is at the Laoag International Airport arrival area on Friday (Aug. 29, 2024). The use of these new patterns and designs for Abel Iloko is meant to attract a wider market, particularly among fashion designers and the younger generation to appreciate inabel products. (Lei Adriano)

By Leilanie Adriano

LAOAG CITY—A homegrown start-up, Ilocandia Unliweave Patterns, is promoting new patterns and designs for the Ilokano handwoven cloth to attract more customers and designers, particularly the younger generation.

In an exhibit at the Laoag International Airport arrival area recently, some of the intricate symmetrical patterns that were digitally generated based on a mathematical algorithm were showcased to stir curiosity.

“The exhibit is held at the Laoag airport to promote these new patterns in a place where it is not exposed yet to expand its market reach,” said Bernard Guerrero, a cultural researcher, and consultant of the Bannuar Technology Business Incubator project, which promotes the use of technology in enterprise management and startups development in the province.

Through project collaboration, Dr. Lawrence Eclarin, project lead of the Ilocandia Unliweave Patterns, expressed readiness to assist loom weavers in upgrading their crafts to help transform the economy and create new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

She said these modern patterns have countless uses, versatile and usable, which makes them saleable to a wider market.

The patterns include a large diamond that resonates with the traditional gipping pattern (kite-like) of Ilocanos, a central pattern in floral interpretations, and a flower composed of four circles that form a floral motif that is widely seen in Ilokano inabel.

Eclarin said the patterns they created are more than just designs as they are vital channels of communication in the textile industry which reflects identity and culture.

“This technology not only bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern demands but also democratizes design, empowering both seasoned artisans and industry novices with the tools to create intricate patterns and symmetries that were previously unimaginable,” she added.

As of the moment, several local government units in the province such as the towns of Banna and Vintar have expressed their intent to adopt some of the unique patterns to boost their Abel industry.

Banna town is leading the way in enhancing the homegrown talents and skills of creating a Banna-distinct weaving and textile industry.

With the aid of science and technology, the town is poised to become a weaving destination by creating unique patterns transformed into modern fashion apparel and accessories.

Laoag tourism officer Angel Lao, in turn, said experiential tourism on loom weaving can also be a big boost to the industry.

“This technology will help us evolve for the younger generation to appreciate it better and to come up with good business ideas and models that we can still improve our Abel products not just as blankets and table runners but also for fashion clothes and accessories that are appealing to the younger generation,” she said.