World-class Filipino garments are on display at a fashion exhibit at the Senate, spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI).

Dubbded “KatHABI: A Textile Fashion Innovation Exhibition,” the exhibit showcases garments made of Philippine cotton, silk, and other local tropical fabrics which were also locally weaved.

The DOST-PTRI also turned over 3,000 bags of washable face masks to Senate employees.

“Sana, ito pong ating ‘KatHABI Exhibit’, ay makapag-bigay inspirasyon at awareness na mas bigyan natin ng suporta ang ating local fabrics na kayang-kayang makipagsabayan sa (Hopefully, this ‘KatHABI Exhibit’ will give inspiration and awareness that we can give more support to our local fabrics which can definitely keep up with the) global fashion scene,” Senator Nancy Binay said in her speech at the event launch.

Among the garments on display were those made by indigenous textile advocate and designer Anthony Legarda Cruz, Ana and Leo Lagon of Bayo Foundation, and Johanna and Michael Claparols of Creative Definitions.

The chairperson of the Committee on Tourism also assured that the Senate will always support local textile and fashion stakeholders.

“Hopefully, by next year ay masisimulan na natin dito sa Senado ang paggamit ng lokal na habi sa ating mga (we can start here in the Senate using locally weaved fabrics in our) uniforms,” Binay said.

Republic Act No. 9242, signed in 2004, prescribes the use of Philippine tropical fabrics for uniforms of public officials and employees.

Tropical fabrics are defined as those containing natural fibers produced, spun, woven or knitted and finished in the Philippines.

Philippine tropical fabrics used for the uniforms of government officials and employees, and for other government purposes shall be purchased from local sources in accordance with law. (PNA)