Manila, August 9: Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, Harsh Kumar Jain, visited several cultural sites in Aklan province during his ongoing tour. His itinerary included the Aklan Museum, Museo It Akean, and the Hablon Weaving Studio and Café in Kalibo.
The Indian Embassy in the Philippines shared updates on social media platform X, posting images from the visit. The post highlighted that Ambassador Jain had the opportunity to closely explore Aklan’s rich and vibrant cultural heritage. He learned about the traditions of the Ati-Atihan Festival, the local and indigenous handicrafts preserved at Museo It Akean, and the centuries-old art of piña weaving.
Accompanying Ambassador Jain during the tour were Juan Jovian Ingeniero, the regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Mariel Cielo Coaching, the vice mayor of Numancia municipality.
Piña weaving is one of Aklan’s prominent traditional arts, where fine fabric is crafted from pineapple fibers. This art form reflects the cultural identity of the Philippines and showcases the skills passed down through generations of local artisans.
The ambassador’s visit is considered significant in strengthening people-to-people connections between India and the Philippines, as well as promoting the exchange of the two nations’ rich cultural traditions.
India and the Philippines share a long-standing strategic relationship. Recently, both countries elevated their ties to a ‘strategic partnership.’ They are strong partners in the Indo-Pacific region, with collaborations in defense (including the BrahMos missile deal), maritime security, and over $3.5 billion in bilateral trade. The Philippines is the first foreign buyer of India’s supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos.
In a recent interview with a news agency, Philippine Ambassador to India, Jose L. Ignacio, stated that the relationship between the two countries is currently at its best and has the potential for further improvement.
He mentioned, “In the economic sector, our trade is continuously growing. In 2023, we surpassed the $3 billion mark and are now heading toward $4 billion. After more than a decade, direct flights between the two countries have resumed, leading to a significant increase in tourism from both sides. The Philippines has eased visa regulations for Indians, allowing them to visit for tourism or short business trips for up to 14 days without a visa. All these factors demonstrate that our relationship is strong, and a solid foundation has been laid for further advancement.”
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