NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
SENi
S.B. No. ^§63
I Cl’ of tij p ^ r r: 11 a up
23 JUL26 PI :10 
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RHCElVtD 3V:
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
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 Department of Science and Technology (DOST) defines neo-ethnic 
textiles as “natural and/or indigenous materials, sourced and/or produced in the 
Philippines using updated, relevant and green scientific and technological approaches 
and innovations by spinners, dyers, weavers and artisans.” These kinds of textiles are 
described as neo-ethnic because they emphasize the “fusion of modern technologies 
in the creation of indigenous textiles.” This means that traditional patterns and designs 
are preserved while these textiles pass through contemporary technologies.
Meanwhile, academic regalia is a trademark of any educational institution. It 
distinguishes an institution from the others; it is a mark unique to that institution. Its 
use is particularly common during graduations and other important scholastic events 
in colleges and universities.
This bill seeks to prescribe the use of neo-ethnic Philippine textiles in academic 
regalia of all state and local universities and colleges in the country. Apart from an 
increased sense of ownership imparted by traditional textiles, this will boost the local 
economy by helping our local weavers gain additional income as well as the due 
recognition they truly deserve.
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For the preservation of our culture and the development of our local weaving 
industry, consideration of this bill is earnestly sought.
RAMOI^ONG REVILLA, JR.


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
SENATE
S.B. No. 2363
23 JUL 26 PI :10
RECEIVED BY;
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
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 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 of 2023."
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Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to instill patriotism and
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nationalism among the youth whose academic preparation for adulthood and responsible
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citizenship include values formation on love of country and pride in the uniqueness of
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their cultural heritage. In this regard, opportunities for displaying these values shall be
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encouraged by the school system not only as part of values development, but to preserve
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Philippine culture and certain local traditions, and create avenues, such as the wearing of
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academic regalia that is based on Filipino ethnic and traditional design to promote the
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production of neo-ethnic Philippine textiles, boost the national effort to develop culture-
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based industries, and in the process generate more jobs in local communities.
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Pursuant thereto, the use of neo-ethnic Philippine textiles in the academic regalia
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of all state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs) is
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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 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 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 Council. - The Council shall have the following 
powers and functions:
a. Formulate the National Academic Regalia Policy;
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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;
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 Councii. - 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 in 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. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the effective implementation 
of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Sec. 8. Impiementing Ruies and Reguiations. - 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. Separabiiity Cause. - Should any provision of this Act or part hereof be 
declared unconstitutional, the other provisions or parts not affected thereby shall remain 
valid and effective.


Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, and issuances or portions 
thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed, 
amended, or modified accordingly.
Sec. 11. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved.