NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
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23 MAY 16 P4:13
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT PRESCRIBING THE USE OF NEO-ETHNIC PHILIPPINE 
TEXTILES IN THE ACADEMIC REGALIA OF ALL STATE AND LOCAL 
UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The origins of academic regalia date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, when 
universities were taking form. The academic regalia is an official clothing worn by 
university officials, faculty, graduates, and awardees during academic functions. It 
includes a distinguishing cap and a formal gown that signify traditions of academic 
achievement.
As enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it is the responsibility of the 
State to instill patriotism and nationalism among the youth. As such, wearing of the 
academic regalia with the use of neo-ethnic Philippine textiles, is just one way to 
showcase their heritage, love for country and preserve their culture. The use of neo­
ethnic Philippine textiles in the academic regalia will create more job opportunities for 
the local communities that will ensure development and sustained production of the 
textiles.
This bill was first filed by Rep. Loren Legarda in the 18th Congress and seeks to 
encourage academic institutions to preserve Philippine culture and certain local 
traditions by wearing academic regalia that is based on Filipino ethnic and traditional 
design. It is also the purpose of this bill to use the resources available to us and help 
the communities that expertly produce neo-ethnic textiles.


In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
MARIA LOURDES NATJCY S. BINAY


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 2201
oi U)C
23 HAY 16 P 4 -13
PKEiViDB'.
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT PRESCRIBING THE USE OF NEO-ETHNIC PHILIPPINE 
TEXTILES IN THE ACADEMIC REGALIA OF ALL STATE AND LOCAL 
UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in 
Congress assembied:
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SECTION 1. Short Tide. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Academic
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Regalia Act".
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SEC. 2. Deciaration of Poiicy. - It is the policy of the State to instill patriotism
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and nationalism among the youth whose academic preparation for adulthood and
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responsible citizenship include values formation on love of country and pride in the
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uniqueness of their cultural heritage. In this regard, opportunities for displaying
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these values shall be encouraged by the school system not only as part of values
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development, but to preserve Philippine culture and certain local traditions, and
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create avenues, such as the wearing of academic regalia that is based on Filipino
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ethnic and traditional design to promote the production of neo-ethnic Philippine
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textiles, boost the national effort to develop culture-based industries, and in the
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process create jobs in local communities.
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Pursuant thereto, the use of neo-ethnic Philippine textiles in the academic
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regalia of all state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges
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(LUCs) is therefore prescribed.


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SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
(a) 
Academic regalia refers to the official garb worn by university officials, 
faculty, graduates, and awardees during graduation, commencement 
exercises, and other academic functions; and
(b) 
Neo-ethnic Philippine textiles refer to textiles made of or containing 
natural or indigenous materials, sourced, and produced in the 
Philippines using updated, relevant, and green, scientific, and 
technological approaches and innovations, while integrating and 
retaining traditional patterns, designs, icons, motifs, and approaches.
SEC. 4. Creation of the Phiiippine Academic Regaiia Councii. - There is hereby 
created a Philippine Academic Regalia Council, hereinafter referred to as the 
"Council", which shall be chaired and co-chaired by the Chairperson of the 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Director of the Philippine Textile 
Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PTRI), 
respectively. The Council shall have the following as members:
(a) 
Representative from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts 
(NCCA);
(b) 
Representative from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples 
(NCIP);
(c) 
Representative from the Philippine Association of State Universities 
and Colleges (PASUC);
(d) 
Representative from the University of the Philippines (UP) System;
(e) 
Representative from the Association of Local Colleges and Universities 
(ALCU); and
(f) 
Representative from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
SEC. 5. Powers and Functions of the Councii. - The Council shall have the 
following specific powers and functions:
(a) 
Formulate the National Academic Regalia Policy;
(b) 
Review, standardize, and adopt the academic regalia for graduates, 
administrators, faculty, and awardees of SUCs and LUCs;
(c) 
Ensure sustainability, quality control, and availability of yarns, dyes, 
and loom parts;


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(d) 
Propose ways to incorporate neo-ethnic textiles in the academic 
regalia;
(e) 
Prepare and publish a handbook containing information on the 
academic regalia and its proper use, protection, trade, and 
management; and
(f) 
Protect the intellectual property rights as regards design silhouettes, 
textile pattern, color, and textile specification for the academic regalia.
SEC. 6. Mandatory Coordination with the Council. - Pursuant to the provisions 
of this Act, all SUCs and LUCs shall be required to coordinate with the Council to 
ensure that neo-ethnic Philippine textiles shall be prescribed in their academic 
regalia, specifically in the hood, robe or gown worn by students in important 
occasions, such as hooding ceremony or graduation from either a bachelor's, 
master's or doctorate degree, as well as the faculty and other members of the 
academic community, and may be incorporated in the headgear (mortarboard cap 
or tarn), mortarboard tassel, stole, and cord, among others.
SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the CHED shall, in consultation with the DOST-PTRI, NCCA, UP, 
PASUC, ALCU, DTI and other relevant stakeholders, issue the rules and regulations 
for the effective implementation of this Act.
SEC. 8. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the effective 
implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations 
Act.
SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any part or provision of this 
Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not 
affected shall remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules and regulations contrary to or 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,