The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) made its mark at the opening ceremony of the World Ikat Textiles Symposium (WITS) 2024 on December 3, 2024. The event, organized by the World Crafts Council Asia Pacific Region (WCC-APR) in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Baguio and the Cordillera Textiles Project (CordiTex), was held at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center (BCCC) in Baguio City, a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art. With the theme "Ties that Bind: Weaving a Defining Future," the symposium celebrated the rich culture and artistry of ikat weaving while emphasizing its significance in global textile heritage.

The opening ceremony was honored by the presence of three Gawad ng Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees, also known as National Living Treasures, recognized for their mastery of indigenous art forms: Barbara Ofong (T’boli weaving), Samporonia Madanlo (Mandaya weaving), and Rosie Sula (T’boli performance).

The event was further enriched by the attendance of distinguished dignitaries, including H.E. Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Ambassador of Malaysia; H.E. F.M. Borhan Uddin, Ambassador of Bangladesh; H.E. MaryKay Loss Carlson, Ambassador of the USA; YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP); and YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister for MTCP, among others. They joined weaving communities and enthusiasts from across the globe, with participating countries including Cambodia, China, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uzbekistan.

The symposium offered a diverse program featuring seven plenary sessions with 31 speakers, the Philippine Ikat Exhibition, and an Ikat Bazaar showcasing the creations of 81 international and local artisans and weavers. Other highlights included the GAMABA Exhibition, film screenings, a fashion show and gala dinner, the Weaver’s Exchange and Dialogues, live weaving demonstrations, guided tours, and field exposure activities.

Additionally, the DOST-PTRI Team actively participated in two plenary sessions on the opening day, which explored the evolving role of ikat in preserving cultural heritage and advancing sustainable fashion.