Western Visayas Champions Competitive Filipino Design Hub at Manila FAME 2026

Artisans from Iloilo and Aklan proved that regional talent can compete on the national stage by blending traditional weaving with modern style to redefine fashion and lifestyle.

Establishing the region as a growing hub for world-class design, creative micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) took the spotlight at Manila FAME 2026, held at the World Trade Center Metro Manila from October 15 to 17.

The theme “Bloom” highlighted organic structures and natural flora, represented by 24 MSMEs. Together, they earned top honors at the prestigious KATHA Awards, proving the strong market value and quality of Visayan craftsmanship.

Among them was designer PJ Arañador who curated a wide selection of wearable fashion, home decor and holiday furnishings through the DTI One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines program.

Meanwhile, KATHA Awardee Erik Castelo House of Fashion was recognized for combining traditional weaving with high fashion. He also won the Major Award for Best Product Design for Holiday Décor, Gifts & Toys for his Panayanon Silak Grove Obelisks. Joining himin the fashion display were Indag-an Primary Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Salngan Livelihood Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Modern Ilongga and 1Iloilo Incorporated.

For home and lifestyle, products were presented by Iloilo Capiz Shells Flowers and Antiques, Lampirong Collection, Cuaycong Native Crafts, WUTHLE Association, Rattanology Corporation and Owlkemy Candles Manufacturing.

The 11-delegation Iloilo booth featured a custom bamboo display built by the Maasin Bamboo Association and designed by Arañador.

Participating on its second year at Manila FAME, the delegation received support from Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas, alongside partners Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council, PhilExport6A, MORE Power, PCCI Iloilo and Rep. Ferjenel Biron.

Aklan, on the other hand, brought a strong 15-enterprise delegation showcasing piña, raffia and nito weaving.

Six businesses joined directly under DTI Aklan: Bandiola’s Piña Weaving, Dodong and Mikay Piña Weaving, Buttons Nthings Arts and Crafts Shop, Ninamaria Arts and Crafts, Elizabeth Rasonable Piña Weaving, and Raquel’s Piña Cloth Products.

Eight makers joined through the Kalibo LGU Artisans Village, including the Aklan Fashion Designers Association, Handicraft of Aklan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Joeriz & Co., La Herminia Weaving and Arts, Nami Aklan, Piña Seda Primera, Reycon’s Piña Cloth, andUswag Arts and Crafts. Alima by Silverhandicrafts also joined independently.

Aklan’s Buttons Nthings Arts and Crafts Shop won the KATHA Award for Eco Design for its Nitraf placemats. Owner Sheree Reynaldo was also a finalist in three other categories: Holiday Decor for the Si Amo ag si Bao raffia stuffed toy, Home Décor for nitra placemats,and Fashion for the Franz Nito Bag. Fellow Aklanon maker Ninamaria Arts and Crafts was a finalist in Eco Design for its Upak Bowl collections.

This win marks a back-to-back national victory for Sheree Reynaldo, who also won the KATHA Award for Eco-Design at Manila FAME 2024 for her PAEA Handwoven Raffia Table Runner, made using natural local dyes from Talisay leaves, coconut coir and atsuete seeds.

DTI Region VI Acting Regional Director Mutya Eusores praised the local makers for bringing regional skills to national trade.

“This is a victory for Western Visayas artisans, reaffirming our region’s capacity for excellence and ingenuity. Beyond the recognition, Sheree and Erik stand as inspiring figures for the creative and entrepreneurial community, showing that dedication, talentand innovation can elevate local craftsmanship to greater heights,” Director Eusores said.

Looking ahead, DTI Region 6 promised continued support to help local producers reach bigger markets and improve their products. This effort aligns with the government’s Tatak Pinoy Act, ensuring local artisans receive the training and market access necessaryto grow competitive Filipino brands globally.