Senator Loren Legarda continues to proudly showcase Filipino heritage through her choice of attire.
Renowned for wearing Filipino-made outfits even on regular days, Legarda once again embraced the beauty of Filipino culture and tradition during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Third State of the Nation Address (SONA) by wearing an elegant Maria Clara-inspired ensemble designed by Puey Quiñones.
The Maria Clara-inspired outfit featured vintage embroidered pure piña fabric from the veteran legislator’s personal collection, adding a touch of timeless elegance.
The ensemble included a panuelo and a multilayered skirt with sunburst electric pleats over embroidered, beaded, and Callado piña tapis. The seasoned lawmaker’s choice of piña celebrates Filipino craftsmanship and the artistry of Aklan weavers.
On December 5, 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed Aklan Piña Handloom Weaving into the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
“I have been supporting piña weaving, particularly the Akeanon and Ati Malindog School of Living Traditions (SLT) in Aklan.”
For years, the lady senator has supported piña weaving, particularly the Akeanon and Ati Malindog School of Living Traditions (SLT) in Aklan.
In collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), she spearheaded the creation of the School of Living Traditions (SLT) and provided programs such as Assistance for Filipino Artisans, the enhanced SLT program, weaving and natural dye centers, and pineapple farms with fiber extraction facilities across various localities.
In the morning of the SONA, during the opening ceremonies of the Third Regular Session of the 19th Congress at the Senate Session Hall, Legarda wore a piña barong paired with a handwoven cotton fabric wrap-around pleated skirt, also designed by Quiñones. The skirt is a modified patadyong, a colorful woven rectangular or tubular cloth similar to a malong or sarong, which she has passionately revived in her home province of Antique.
The patadyong has become a symbol of pride and cultural identity for Antiqueños and is now being reintroduced to contemporary fashion.
Once at risk of being forgotten, the patadyong has seen a resurgence thanks to her efforts. It has become a symbol of pride and cultural identity for Antiqueños and is now being reintroduced to contemporary fashion. The patadyong plays a vital role in the daily lives of Antiqueños, serving various practical and ceremonial purposes.
As a supporter of micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) and the author of the MSME law, Legarda has provided support to the Bagtason Loom Weavers Association in Antique and other weavers nationwide. Her initiatives include supplying cotton seeds, planting Tayum, improving and creating weaving centers, organizing trade fairs with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and offering training from the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI).
She also facilitated the establishment of a cotton processing center in Patnongon, Antique, which provides essential support to the industry and ensures the continued production and appreciation of traditional fabrics like the patadyong.
Puey Quiñones, the designer behind these masterpieces, shares a special connection with Legarda. He was one of the volunteers who helped with her campaign postering in Northern Samar during the 1998 senatorial elections.
Recognizing this significant bond, Legarda chose Quiñones as the designer of her SONA attire as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation for his talent, making their collaboration even more meaningful.
