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

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No, 32 ML

Introduced by Representative CHING BERNOS

AN ACT
PROMOTING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEO-
ETHNIC PHILIPPINE TEXTILE AND HANDLOOM WEAVING INDUSTRY, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The art of handloom weaving is an enduring symbol of Filipino identity, deeply rooted
in the cultural heritage and daily lives of many indigenous and rural communities. It is
more than just a craft—it is a powerful expression of our people’s history, spirituality,
and creativity, with each textile telling the story of its origin.

In Northern Luzon, handloom weaving thrives among various ethnolinguistic
groups, each with its own distinct weaving tradition. In Ilocos Norte and locos Sur, the
iconic inabel is known for its durability and intricate patterns, traditionally woven by
Hocos women and used for blankets, clothing, and ceremonial wear. In the Cordillera
region, the Kalinga, Ifugao, and Apayao peoples produce vibrant, geometrically
patterned textiles that are deeply symbolic—representing bravery, fertility, and
ancestral lineage. Their traditional garments, such as the wanes (loincloth) and tapis
(wraparound skirts), are still worn during rituals and community events. In the Province
of Abra, handloom weaving of abel remains an integral part of local identity, particularly
in Barangay Bulbulala in La Paz, where a community of loom weavers has passed the
tradition down through generations. The patterns used by Abrefio weavers are known
for their elegant symmetry and cultural significance.


Across these communities, weaving serves both cultural and economic purposes.
‘Traditionally a means of artistic expression and spiritual storytelling, handloom weaving
has also become a vital source of livelihood, particularly for rural women. According to
the British Council's report, ‘Crafting Futures: Sustaining Handloom Weaving in the
Philippines,” there are over 450 weaving groups nationwide—many of them contributing
to sustainable local economies and women-led enterprises.

However, despite the resilience of this tradition, the handloom weaving industry
continues to face multiple challenges. The effects of globalization, the aging of weavers,
and limited transmission of skills to younger generations threaten its continuity.
Additional barriers include: inconsistent access to quality raw materials, limited market
access and promotion, inadequate infrastructure support, and lack of institutional
protection and development programs. If left unaddressed, these challenges may lead to
the gradual disappearance of this invaluable cultural practice.

This proposed measure therefore seeks to preserve, support, and institutionalize
the Philippine handloom weaving industry. It aims to recognize weaving as intangible
cultural heritage; provide sustained government support for skills transmission,
production, innovation, and marketing; empower weavers—especially women—with
access to livelihood, training, infrastructure, and social protection; and, promote
community-based tourism and creative industries as vehicles for cultural and economic

sustainability.

By strengthening the handloom weaving industry, we not only protect the
cultural fabric of Northern Luzon and the wider Philippines, but also weave a future of
dignity, creativity, and opportunity for the next generations of Filipino artisans.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No, 3111

Introduced by Representative CHING BERNOS

AN ACT

PROMOTING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEO-

ETHNIC PHILIPPINE TEXTILE AND HANDLOOM WEAVING INDUSTRY, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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 Neo-
Ethnic Textile Development Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State
to instill patriotism and nationalism among the Filipino people, with emphasis on
the youth, by fostering an abiding sense of loyalty to the Republic and deep
appreciation of the nation’s unique cultural heritage. The State recognizes the
essential role of the education system in inculcating the values of responsible
citizenship, national identity, and cultural pride, and shall endeavor to promote the
preservation, development, and propagation of Philippine traditions as part of the
formation of civic virtues.

Pursuant to this policy, the State shall undertake appropriate measures to
preserve, promote, and support indigenous artistic expressions—including, but not
limited to, handloom weaving and the production of neo-ethnic Philippine textiles—
as integral components of the national cultural patrimony. These textiles, which
reinterpret traditional designs for contemporary use while preserving their cultural


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roots, shall be recognized as vital expressions of Filipino identity and as tools for
cultural continuity.

In furtherance thereof, the preferential use of locally manufactured goods—
particularly those utilizing indigenous materials, traditional knowledge systems,
neo-ethnic design innovations, and local technologies—shall be encouraged in both
public and private spheres. These efforts shall aim not only to safeguard cultural
heritage, but also to support rural livelihoods, strengthen culture-based industries,
and contribute to inclusive national development.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms
are hereby defined as follows:

a. Handloom - refers to a device used in weaving fabrics by holding the
warp threads under tension to facilitate the interweaving of the weft
threads;

b. Handloom weaving industry - composed of the interrelated and
interconnected component supply chain realizing the production of
textiles through the handloom;

¢. Neo-ethnic Philippines textiles - refers to textiles made of or containing
natural or indigenous materials, sourced and/or produced in the
Philippines using updated, relevant, and green scientific and
technological approaches and innovations; while integrating and/or
retaining traditional patterns, designs, icons, motifs and/or
approaches, and thus, contribute to livelihood generation and in
sustaining the local handloom weaving and textile heritage.

SEC. 4, Objectives. — This Act shall have the following objectives:

‘a. To recognize and support the handloom weaving industry and neo-
ethnic textile production as essential elements of the country’s
intangible cultural heritage;

b. To ensure the sustainability and economic viability of traditional
weaving communities through training, access to markets, financing,
and infrastructure support;

¢. To promote cultural innovation through the integration of traditional
and neo-ethnic designs in commercial, ceremonial, and institutional

settings;


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To create a national registry of recognized weaving communities,
patterns, and techniques, in collaboration with the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI), and concerned agencies;

To integrate the appreciation and use of Philippine indigenous and neo-
ethnic textiles in education, government functions, and national
events; and

To protect indigenous intellectual property and promote ethical
collaboration between designers, brands, and cultural communities.

SEC. 5. Establishment of the National Neo-Ethnic Textile Development

Council. -

referred to as the Council, shall be composed of the following agencies:

a.
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‘The National Neo-Ethnic Textile Development Council, hereinafter

Department of Science and Technology;
Department of Trade and Industry;

National Commission for Culture and the Arts;

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples;

Commission on Higher Education;

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority;

Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority;

Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines; and

‘Three (3) representatives of accredited handloom weaving and textile

industry associations;

The heads of offices of the aforementioned agencies, except item (i), may

appoint alternates to represent the members of the Council in their meetings.

SEC. 6. The National Neo-Ethnic Textile Development Policy. - The
Council shall formulate one (1) year after it is created, the National Neo-Ethnic Textile
Development Policy. This shall include, but not limited to, the following:

Formulation of the Neo-Ethnic Textile Industry Roadmap;
Innovations in weaving design and engineering;

Technical support mechanism for sustainable weaving activities;
Development and promotion of neo-ethnic Philippine textiles;
Development of Philippine Standards for Handloom Woven Textiles;
Intellectual property protection framework for neo-ethnic Philippine
textiles;


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g. Development of a database of neo-ethnic Philippine textiles;

h. Development of textile-related technical and skills and vocational
programs; and

i, Education and training.

SEC. 7. Academic Regalia from Neo-Ethnic Philippine Textiles. - As a
means to elevate the dignity and visibility of Philippine culture within formal
institutions, 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
hereby prescribed. The SUCs and LUCs shall promote the continuing development
of culture-based industries, sustain the livelihoods of local artisan communities, and
advance inclusive economic growth by generating employment rooted in cultural
heritage.

SEC. 8. Appropriations. - The amount of Ten Million Pesos (Php
10,000,000.00) is hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National Treasury
for the initial implementation of this Act. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary
for the implementation of this Act shall be appropriated as a distinct and separate
item.

SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Science and Technology and the
Department of Trade and Industry shall promulgate implementing rules and
regulations of this Act.

SEC. 10. Separabitity Clause. - if any provision or part thereof is held invalid
or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected
shall remain valid and subsisting

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed,
modified, or amended accordingly.

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

its publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,