The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), in collaboration with Pangasinan State University – Lingayen Campus and DOST Region I, has officially launched the very first Handloom Weaving Innovation Hub in Sitio Mapita, Aguilar, Pangasinan.

Nestled in an upland community, this pioneering hub aims to empower the members of the Mapita Indigenous Peoples Livelihood Association Inc., composed of weavers from various indigenous groups such as the Kankanaey and Ibaloi, originally from Benguet and La Union.

These skilled weavers are driven by the vision of establishing Sitio Mapita as a recognized weaving community in Pangasinan. Through the hub, they aspire to scale up the production of handloom-woven textiles—particularly the sablay—for use by Pangasinan State University and other markets.

This hub, part of the Institute’s FRONTIER: Fostering the Revitalization of Nascent Textile Innovation Ecosystems in the Regions program, is set to be a game-changer—not only for Sitio Mapita but also as a model for similar hubs across the country. It aims to strengthen the local economy, preserve the country’s rich weaving heritage, and empower weavers through innovation, training, and sustainability.

At the heart of the hub’s operations are four (4) HL Mach 4.0 Modified Handloom Weaving Machines provided by DOST-PTRI. These innovative machines will enable local weavers to enhance their productivity and create high-quality woven textiles that can meet modern standards.

Furthermore, the hub will serve as a center for textile innovation and R&D, ensuring the standardization of woven outputs and supporting the integration of other DOST programs that aim to uplift the textile industry. It will also act as a benchmark for the development and quality assurance of handloom products, helping local weavers meet growing market demands both locally and beyond.