Pina is a traditional fabric woven using a handloom from pineapple leaf fibers practiced by the Aklanon people.
There hasn't been much change in the manufacturing process since its inception. Pinya Bisaya leaves are used, one of several species of pineapple. Harvesting and fiber extraction are done outdoors after the leaves have matured for 18 to 24 months.
The School of Living Traditions (SLTs) incorporates heritage transmission methods into the teaching-learning process. The purpose of SLTs is to protect intangible cultural heritage in the Philippines by transferring indigenous or local knowledge and skills from cultural masters, practitioners, and bearers to younger generations within local communities in collaboration with the government. As part of its training programs, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) teaches the basic practices involved in the practice of farming, harvesting leaves, extracting fibers, knotting, and weaving. Furthermore, the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provides a basic weaving training program. In addition, the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Aklan facilitate educational visits and lecture demonstrations on weaving.
Keeping the element alive and viable requires the practitioners themselves. Through formal and non-formal activities, cultural masters continue to pass on knowledge and skills to the younger generation. In transmitting and safeguarding the element, family members play specific roles and responsibilities. Technical assistance has been provided by civil society organizations, académie institutions, development agencies, and government agencies to make sure that raw materials are always available, technology transfer and upgrade, training programs to improve livelihoods, research, and development for farm rehabilitation and plantation development, as well as training for improving fiber quality and life skills for sustainable livelihoods, as well as measures to protect vulnerable local groups through social protection. In order to promote the welfare of community organizations, LGUs enact policies and develop support strategies. Through a Code of Practice and Quality Standards, practitioners and culture bearers ensure the element's sustainability. In order to ensure best practices, a multi-sectoral monitoring team was formed.
By strengthening public education and recognizing the value of intangible cultural heritage programs, the Philippine Constitution protects the country's artistic and historical wealth. With financial assistance, calamity-affected and idle lands have been rehabilitated while pineapple planting stocks have been provided in several Aklan municipalities in order to expand pineapple production. Through the Assistance for Filipino Artists program, practitioners received technical capital, equipment, materials, and promotions to enhance their skills. A number of grants were also provided to culture bearers and practitioners by community-based cultural and creative industries.