Written by: Carlo Eliserio
The Aklan piña weaving industry marks a significant milestone as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) officially certified Raquel’s Piña Cloth Product (RPCP) as an accredited Training and Assessment Center in Aklan for Aklan Piña Weaving under the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Certificate of TVET Program Registration (CTPR).
The accreditation was formally awarded by TESDA Director General Kiko Benitez, recognizing RPCP’s capacity to deliver and assess Handloom Weaving NC II under both General EBET and Upskilling programs.
This certification represents a landmark development for the Aklan piña community. By formally recognizing a heritage-based enterprise as a TESDA-accredited Training and Assessment Center, the industry reinforces its foundation in professional standards while ensuring that skills transmission remains deeply rooted within the weaving community itself. The EBET framework guarantees that learning occurs within actual production environments, where traditional techniques, discipline, and cultural knowledge are practiced daily.
For generations, piña weaving has depended on the mastery of pineapple farmers, leaf scrapers, fiber knotters, warpers, loom weavers, natural dyers, hand embroiderers, and dressmakers. With national accreditation, these skills gain formal recognition — creating pathways for structured training, increased youth participation, workforce development, and long-term industry sustainability.
Founded in 1992 by Cultural Master Mrs. Raquel R. Eliserio, RPCP has long supported hundreds of artisans and numerous looms in Balete, Aklan. Its recognition as a TESDA-accredited center affirms decades of commitment to preserving and innovating within the piña textile tradition. Carlo Eliserio, a fifth-generation piña artisan and Marketing Manager of RPCP, also serves as one of the Directors of HABI The Philippines Textile Council Incorporated, contributing to broader efforts that promote and safeguard Philippine textiles.
The Council likewise acknowledges the continued advocacy of Loren Legarda for Philippine textiles and weaving communities across the country.
As Aklan Piña Handloom Weaving remains inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this accreditation further secures its future — reinforcing that heritage craftsmanship can thrive within national education systems while remaining true to its cultural roots.
HABI extends its warmest congratulations to the entire Aklan piña weaving community on this important achievement.
