Bulacan barong makers impress VP bet Sara

PANDI, Bulacan – Vice presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on Sunday met with makers of the world-class Filipino barong and wedding gowns at the Disenyo Pandi Bagong Barrio here.

She also got fitted for her own Filipiniana.

This town has long been noted for its garments and embroidery, with the Disenyo Pandi a venue for its artisans to show and sell their masterpieces -- bridal and debutante gowns, Barong Tagalog, among others.

Duterte praised the artisans for their 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 (It is important that we patronize Philippine-made products because many depend on these for their livelihood and communities all over the country thrive because of such),” Duterte said during their talk.

Duterte toured the compound and viewed the sewing line.

She also made a stop at Sam Bridal Botique, where she got fitted by Samantha Adriano, the 32-year-old owner.

Adriano designed a Filipiniana for Duterte as her way of showing her support.

“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 (I truly support Mayor Sara because she is a leader who will continue all the reforms of President Rodrigo Duterte. I know she will lead us to a better and more progressive country, like “Build, Build, Build” programs to improve the economy),” Adriano said, referring to the infrastructure projects of the Duterte administration.

“Sara Duterte is a leader na walang kinikilingan at walang tinitingnan na estado ng buhay -- mahirap man o mayaman (who treats everyone equally -- rich or poor),” she added.

Duterte then had a photo opportunity with all the store owners and artisans.

The UniTeam schedule stated that Duterte would meet with Pandi relocatees and Totoong Paglilingkod (True Service) Malolos volunteers; attend the inauguration of the Malolos UniTeam headquarters; and visit the Barasoain Church and Museum, also in Malolos, in the afternoon. (PR)