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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4 65

Introduced by Representative Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla

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

Graduation ceremonies are some of the most memorable milestones in a student’ life.
Beyond recognizing academic achievement, these events are also opportunities to showcase

our national pride and cultural identity.

In the Philippines, where traditions and heritage vary ftom region to region, we have a
unique chance to reflect this diversity in how we celebrate academic success. One simple yet
meaningful way to do this is by incorporating Filipino textiles into graduation gowns and other
academic garments. By doing so, we not only honor our rich cultural roots but also help support

local weaving communities and promote sustainable, homegrown industries.

This measure aims to strengthen cultural appreciation among students, promote local
industries, and proudly wear our identity as Filipinos. This measure proposes that all State and
Local Universities and Colleges (SUCs and LUCs) adopt the use of neo-ethnie Philippine
textiles, those made from local materials and inspired by traditional designs, for their academic

regalia,


In view of the foregoing, the approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

CRISPIN DIEGO “PING” D. REMULLA.


CoV nner wne

11
12
13
14

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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 465

Introduced by Representative Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla

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 the 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 value formation 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:


Cor ane wne

10
1
12
13
4
15
16
7
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33

(a) Academic regalia refers to the official garb worn by university official

faculty,
graduates, and awardees during graduation, commencement exercises, and other
academic functions; and

(b) Neo-ethnic Philippine textiles refer to textiles made from or containing natural or

indigenous materials, sourced and produced in the Philippines using updated,
relevant, 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 (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;

(c) Representative from the Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU);

and

(0) Representative from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

SEC. 5. Powers and Functions of the Council. — The Council shall have the following
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;

(©) Ensure sustainability, quality control, and availability of yarns, dyes, and loom

parts;

(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.


Cortana wne

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

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. Support for Local Weavers and Cultural Communities. - The Council shall
ensure that local weaving communities, including cooperatives and Indigenous Peoples’
groups, are prioritized as suppliers and partners in the production of academic regalia textiles.
Technical assistance, training, and access to funding shall be facilitated through CHED, DOST-
PTRI, and DTI to enhance their production capacity and ensure quality compliance.

SEC. 8. 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. 9. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the effective implementation of
this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 10. 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. 11. Repealing Clause. All laws, rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent
with the provisions of this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication

in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,