The humble, yet striking fabric handwoven by the women of Sulu has won praise from Filipino designer Ong, whose eye for fashion pieces and jewelry is known the world over.

Ong’s attention was drawn to the “udder syabit”, samples of which were brought to him by Kusug Tausug party list representative Shernee Tan-Tambut.

A statement from Tan-Tambut’s office on Friday, February 25 revealed that the solon had recently met with Ong with the aim of coming up with plans to promote the pis syabit and the Tausug culture of Sulu in general as well as other Filipino designs.

At the meeting attended by Ong; her husband, Jason; and their son, John, also a designer and digital marketing expert, they discussed how the udder syabit could be promoted first “in New York and later in other fashion capitals of the world”.

Inspecting the syabit udder samples Tan-Tambut showed her, Ong and her son agreed with the MP that the Sulu fabric had a lot of potential, especially in the “international market”.

The udder syabit is made of cotton and/or silk, with metallic gold threads sometimes incorporated into the weave. It was once worn by Tausug men on very special occasions as a headdress or as a decoration hanging from the shoulder to indicate their high social status.

In modern times, udder syabit has been used as the main or accent material for clothing and is also used to make fashion accessories. Woven by Muslims, it has only geometric patterns because Islam forbids reproducing the likeness of living beings, whether human, plant or animal.

Tan-Tambut has been actively promoting this fabric and other Sulu products since his first term as the party list solon in the House of Representatives. Wearing a modern terno with pis syabit accents during the 2016 State of the Nation (SONA) address, she was named “one of the ten best-dressed women to attend the occasion.”

The lawmaker, who is vice chair of the House Committee on Poverty Reduction, listed the benefits of buying locally made clothing.

“First, it boosts our economy because the money paid for the clothes goes to local designers and their helpers, local tailors and retailers. This is true for ready-to-wear (ready-to-wear) made in the Philippines as well as exclusively designed garments. Two, we have very good designers; they are starting to get noticed by the world, so for those who opt for designer clothes, why not be the proud owner of an exquisite Filipino design? »

She continued: “Three, and this is specific to the udder syabit, each piece is an original work of art, so anyone who has an udder syabit adorning their clothes is guaranteed to own an original work of art that evokes history. and the art of the Tausugs. And above all, for each udder syabit purchased, a family in Sulu is one step closer to escaping poverty.

Ong is described on her website as an “internationally acclaimed haute couture jewelry designer, visionary and designer”.

“She (Ong) pursued the path of design in 2012. She knew her pieces would always be rooted for two qualities, durability and artistry,” he added.