You’ve probably seen your grandma’s barong or terno, beautifully embroidered with intricate designs that make you wonder, How did they do that? Well, here’s the thing: Filipino embroidery isn’t just some trendy design choice but rather a centuries-old art form.
Luckily, TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) has teamed up with Patis Tesoro to highlight the art of Filipino embroidery. Dubbed as the "Grand Dame of Philippine Fashion," Tesoro has long championed the beauty of Filipino textiles, showcasing their elegance on the global stage. Together with TESDA, she is not just promoting these art forms but also reviving the skills required to create them, breathing new life into the weaving traditions of the Philippines.
Kiko Benitez, the Director General of TESDA, announced that they are “developing competency-based training standards and providing greater access to expert mentorship, bridging our rich cultural heritage with the thriving creative industry.”
Filipino identity and personal creativity
The masterclass in Traditional Filipino embroidery is one of the first courses being offered, with more programs coming soon. Thanks to the care and expertise of Patis Tesoro, a celebrated Filipina artist, fashion designer, social activist, and heritage conservationist, aspiring and curious artists can learn the art passed down by our ancestors, from simple stitches to intricate and marvelous designs. This is more than just needle and thread work in making rugs, blankets, blouses, and skirts, but is also a learning ground to connect with our history, keep our cultural heritage alive, and create beautiful fabrics that radiate both our Filipino identity and personal creativity.
As we look ahead, this signals a promising beginning for the preservation and growth of Filipino craftsmanship nationwide. Tesda and Patis Tesoro’s vision is not just nurturing creative ambitions, but also a catalyst in empowering local Filipino weavers, embroiders, and artists in general, assuring that their invaluable skills remembered from the past will continue to thrive in the present and future.
To hear more about the developments on this incoming program, you can follow TESDA on Facebook.
