Republic of the Philippines iS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No._1972

Introduced by Representative MARCELINO R. TEODORO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Academic regalia, traditionally wor by university officials, faculty,
graduates, and awardees during formal academic events, serve not only
as ceremonial attire but also as a symbol of institutional pride, dignity,
and identity.

This bill proposes the use of neo-ethnic Philippine textiles in
academic regalia—locally woven fabrics crafted by Filipino artisans. By
integrating indigenous designs and materials into graduation attire, we
celebrate and preserve our rich cultural heritage while promoting a
distinctly Filipino identity within our academic traditions.

With over 300,000 students graduating from State Universities and
Colleges (SUCs) each year, this tive presents a significant
opportunity to generate sustainable livelihood for weaving communities
across the country, especially in rural and marginalized areas.

This measure is both cultural and economic in nature, as it supports
local artisans, strengthens community-based industries, and reaffirms
‘the role of education in nation-building, not only through knowledge but
also through cultural pride and inclusivity.

Initially filed by Representative Loren Legarda in the 18th Congress
and Representative Harris Christopher Ongchuan in the previous
Congress, this version adopts the Third Reading copy transmitted to the
Senate in the 19th Congress.

The immediate passage of this bill is respectfully urged

Me To

Representative
1* District, Marikina City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No._1972

Introduced by Representative MARCELINO R. TEODORO.

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
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Philippine
Academic Regalia Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to instill
patriotism and nationalism among the youth, whose academic
preparation for adulthood and responsible citizenship includes the
formation of values on love of country and pride in the uniqueness of
their cultural heritage. In this regard, opportunities for displaying these
values shall be encouraged by the school system not only as part of
values development but to preserve Philippine culture and certain local
traditions, and create avenues, such as the wearing of academic regalia
that is based on Filipino ethnic and traditional design to promote the
production of neo-ethnic Philippine textiles, boost the national effort to
develop culture-based industries, and in the process create jobs in local
communities.

Pursuant thereto, the use of neo-ethnic Philippine textiles in the
academic regalia of all state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local
universities and colleges (LUCs) is therefore prescribed.

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 environmentally friendly scientific and
technological approaches and innovations, while integrating and
retaining traditional patterns, designs, icons, motifs, and techniques.

SEC. 4. Creation of the Philippine Academic Regalia Council.
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 (NCA);

(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 Council. 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;

(d) Propose ways to incorporate neo-ethnic textiles in the academic
regalia;

() 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 regarding design
silhouettes, textile patterns, colors, and textile specifications 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,
frobe or gown worn by students in important occasions, such as hooding
Ceremony or graduation from either a bachelor's, master’s or doctorate,
as well as the faculty and other members of the academic community,
and may be incorporated in the headgear (mortarboard cap or tam),
mortarboard tassle, 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 a newspaper of general
circulation.

Approved,