In an effort to maintain the practice of bilum weaving, the Western Highlands Provincial Administration pledged K20,000 to the Friendly Home Bilum Festival. The festival took place in the Wamp Nga Secondary School in Mount Hagen, Western Highlands Province, on August 17, 2024. Present at the event were Mr. Richard Lazarus, Executive Manager of Commerce and Tourism Western Highlands Province, who was representing Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa; Mr. Eddie Paraka, Marketing Manager of Digicel Mt. Hage; Mrs. Geno Alova Reuben, Events and Festival Manager NCC, who was representing Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda, Executive Director of the National Cultural Commission (NCC); Mr. James Kewa, Director of Friendly Home Lodge; Mrs. Julie Kewa, Director of the Friendly Home Bilum Festival, and other dignitaries. Lazarus thanked the Kewas for hosting the festival and bringing people together to celebrate the art of culture and bilum weaving. "The Governor’s office was pleased seeing people take this initiative to create events such as this to keep our culture alive." Reuben, meanwhile, claimed that women are encouraged by participating in the bilum festival. "This festival gives them the chance to share their stories, show off their talents, and assume leadership roles in order to instruct the young girls." "It underscores the resilience and inventiveness of women, contributing to their acknowledgement and appreciation across all facets of our cultural existence." "We think that by supporting this event, we're promoting gender equality and empowerment in addition to preserving our heritage." "When you see a bilum, you are witnessing a woman's labor and intricate work." A K5, 000 check was presented by the National Cultural Commission to support, improve, and guarantee the festival's future success. The Friendly Home Bilum Festival is a unique occasion that showcases women's abilities in bilum weaving and empowers them. Women can showcase their works, pick up new skills, and get guidance on making their art into a business during the event. The festival supports women's economic independence, skill recognition, and the preservation of traditional weaving methods.