“Rimat ti Amianan: Inabel Weaves of Ilocos” Trade Showcase Draws Crowds, Highlights Protection of Cultural Heritage
Guests and members of the Filipino American community examine Inabel garments and woven textiles, reflecting growing interest in Philippine heritage products in the U.S. market. (San Francisco PCG photo)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco welcomed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region I delegation for the two-day “Rimat ti Amianan: Inabel Weaves of Ilocos Goes to the San Francisco Bay Area” pop-up showcase held on 9-10 June 2026 at Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center. Organized by DTI Region I in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Silicon Valley (PTIC-SV), the event promoted authentic Inabel products from the Ilocos Region while advancing Philippine MSMEs, cultural heritage, and export opportunities in the U.S. market. The opening ceremony was led by Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon together with Assistant Secretary and Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon Ana Carmela V. Remigio, DTI Region I Regional Director Merlie D. Membrere, DTI Ilocos Norte Provincial Director Amelia E. Galvez, and Trade Commissioner Anne Marie Kristine Umali.
Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon (fourth from left) leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the event, together with Assistant Secretary and Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon Ana Carmela V. Remigio (third from left), DTI Region I Regional Director Merlie D. Membrere (second from left), DTI Ilocos Norte Provincial Director Amelia E. Galvez (rightmost), Trade Commissioner Anne Marie Kristine Umali (leftmost), and members of the delegation. (San Francisco PCG photo)
In his message, Consul General Talisayon underscored that Philippine cultural heritage is both a source of national identity and an economic asset. He emphasized the importance of protecting Inabel and other heritage products through collective marks while promoting them globally to ensure that artisan communities receive proper recognition and benefit from their craftsmanship. He also noted that the showcase formed part of the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Philippines-United States diplomatic relations. Assistant Secretary Remigio described the initiative as a transition “from celebration to acceleration,” emphasizing that the mission goes beyond showcasing products. Participating MSMEs were also equipped with the tools needed to compete internationally through capacity-building sessions on branding, marketing, packaging, and U.S. market entry. She highlighted that “we are not just preserving living traditions – we are building sustainable, future-proof livelihoods for our communities.”
Assistant Secretary and Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon Ana Carmela V. Remigio delivers her remarks. (San Francisco PCG photo)
The showcase featured authentic Inabel handwoven textiles, apparel, fashion accessories, home décor, food products, and other locally made products from participating enterprises across the Ilocos Region. Visitors also attended presentations on the Inabel Collective Mark and business development opportunities in the United States. The event generated strong interest from members of the Filipino American community, designers, entrepreneurs, and prospective buyers, with participating MSMEs establishing promising commercial linkages with Bay Area retailers, including shops specializing in traditional Filipino attire and bridal wear. The event underscored how Philippine cultural heritage can serve as a catalyst for economic diplomacy by promoting regionally produced goods, strengthening MSME internationalization, protecting Philippine heritage products through collective marks, and fostering long-term trade partnerships in overseas markets. END
(San Francisco PCG photos)