Manila: A party-list lawmaker is advocating for the integration of neo-ethnic Philippine textiles in the academic regalia of all state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs) as a means to preserve Philippine tradition and culture.
According to Philippines News Agency, Bill 3111, known as the Philippine Neo-Ethnic Textile Development bill, has been introduced in the House of Representatives. The bill aims to preserve, support, and institutionalize the Philippine handloom weaving industry. Neo-ethnic textiles are defined as textiles made of or containing natural or indigenous materials, sourced and/or produced in the Philippines using modern and environmentally friendly scientific and technological approaches while integrating traditional patterns, designs, icons, motifs, and methods.
The proposed legislation seeks to recognize weaving as intangible cultural heritage and calls for sustained government support for skills transmission, production, innovation, and marketing. It aims to empower weavers, particularly women, by providing access to livelihood opportunities, training, infrastructure, and social protection.
A key component of the bill is the establishment of a National Neo-Ethnic Textile Development Policy. This policy would include the creation of a neo-ethnic textile industry roadmap, development of a database of neo-ethnic Philippine textiles, innovations in weaving design and engineering, technical support mechanisms for sustainable weaving activities, and the development of Philippine Standards for Handloom Woven Textiles.
Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos emphasized the importance of protecting and developing the traditional art of handloom weaving in the country. "We want to protect and develop the old tradition of handloom weaving in the country, so the prescribed use of our indigenous textiles in academic regalia is a key provision of our bill," Bernos stated.
Bernos further highlighted the potential impact of this measure on local weaving communities. "This would make an instant, and hopefully lasting impact, in our local weaving communities. Sa pamamagitan din nito, nasisiguro natin na may demand sa mga produkto ng ating mga katutubong manghahabi kaya't mahihikayat sila na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang tradisyon," she said.
The lawmaker noted that the measure would address several challenges threatening the survival of handloom weaving in the Philippines, such as aging weavers, limited transmission of skills to younger generations, inconsistent access to quality raw materials, limited market access and promotion, inadequate infrastructure support, and lack of institutional protection and development programs.
"We have an opportunity to preserve our beloved weaving traditions and at the same time capitalize on worldwide interest in indigenous materials," Bernos added. She stressed the necessity for government intervention to ensure that local artisans and the country's intangible cultural heritage are preserved and that they benefit from their work and knowledge.
