First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Saturday raved about the clever and sustainable abaca creations featured at the recent KatHABI: The Textile Innovation Fashion Show x IPB Abaca Hybrid.

Araneta-Marcos graced the fashion show at the Manila Hotel Centennial Hall on Thursday, which was also a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the University of the Philippines Los Banos’ Institute of Plant Breeding.

The First Lady took to social media on Saturday morning to congratulate the farmers, researchers, and designers behind the creations featured at KatHABI.

“From the hands that nurture the soil to the minds that shape design, this celebration of abaca tells a story of Filipino creativity, resilience and sustainability – woven proudly into every thread,” she said.

She noted that her late father-in-law, ex-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., signed Presidential Decree 729 which established the IPB 50 years ago.

“What a full-circle moment of legacy and innovation!” said the First Lady, herself a patron of Filipino arts, culture, and heritage.

The KatHABI: Textile Innovation Fashion Show showcased creations made of the IPB Abaca Hybrid as a celebration of fashion and agricultural innovation.

The fashion show sought to demonstrate the commercial viability and global competitiveness of Philippinefibers in textiles and fashion.

It featured creations from renowned Filipino designers like Avel Bacudio, JC Buendia, Jor-el Espina, Jun Escario, Benjie Panizales, and Egay Ayag.