PANDI, Bulacan — Vice presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on Sunday met with the makers of world class Filipino barong and wedding gowns at the Disenyo Pandi Bagong Barrio here where she also got fitted for her own Filipiniana outfit.

Pandi, one of Bulacan’s “youngest” towns, has long been noted for its garments and embroidery, where the Disenyo Pandi is housed as a venue for the town’s artisans to show and sell their masterpieces — bridal and debutante gowns, Barong Tagalog, among others.

Duterte praised the artisans for their world class talent and initiative in preserving handmade Filipino textile.

“Importante po sa atin dito sa Pilipinas na tinatangkilik po natin ang gawa ng Pilipino dahil bumubuhay po ‘yan ng maraming komunidad sa iba’t ibang lugar sa ating bansa,” Duterte said.

Duterte also toured the compound and viewed all the sewing machines used in making the world class barong and gowns.

She also made a stop at Sam Bridal Botique, where she got fitted by Samantha Adriano, 32, and owner of the store. Adriano designed a Filipiniana outfit for Duterte as her way of showing her support to the mayor.

“Talagang sinusuportahan ko si Mayor Sara dahil isa siyang lider na talagang magpapatuloy kung ano ang nasimulan ni President Rodrigo Duterte. Alam kong dadalhin niya tayo sa isang mas maganda at maunlad na bansa katulad ng pagpapatayo ng ‘Build, Build, Build’ para mas tumaas ang ating ekonomiya,” Adriano said.

“Sara Duterte is a leader na walang kinikilingan at walang tinitingnan na estado ng buhay — mahirap man o mayaman,” she added.

Duterte had a photo-op with all the store owners and artisans. She was also scheduled to meet Pandi Relocatees and Totoong Paglilingkod Malolos volunteers, and attend the inauguration of the Malolos UniTeam headquarters.

She will also visit the Barasoain Church and Museum in the afternoon.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ryan Ponce Pacpaco