The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST–PTRI) unveiled the Weavers Manifesto at the 1st Philippine Handloom Weaving Festival in Robinsons Ilocos, Ilocos Norte, held as part of the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week. The manifesto is a united call from Filipino weaving communities urging respect and support for authentic Philippine weaves and denouncing machine-made replicas and printed substitutes that threaten their culture, identity, and livelihoods.
As traditional handloom-woven textiles gain popularity, Filipino weavers face escalating challenges, from counterfeit and mass-produced fabrics that dilute authenticity, to unfair market access, lack of intellectual property protection, and limited recognition of their rights as artists, cultural bearers, and workers. These mounting challenges have pushed weaving communities nationwide to assert their rightful place in the country’s textile value chain and protect their heritage from further erosion.
DOST–PTRI led the consolidation of weavers’ insights and thoughts through the Weavers Manifesto, with Dr. Julius Leaño Jr., Director of DOST–PTRI, leading the signing and delegation of more than 120 weavers from over 40 communities nationwide. It was witnessed by DOST Ilocos Region Director Dr. Teresita Tabaog and Assistant Secretary Ana Carmela V. Remigio, Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon.
DOST–PTRI and the weavers initially conducted a focused group discussion (FGD) that raised the concerns and needs of weaving communities across the country. The resulting Weavers’ Manifesto captured the eight (8) main and critical issues raised during the FGD. The signatories call for the following:
Opposition to the widespread use of counterfeit handwoven textiles and machine-made woven replicas as
- Opposition to the widespread use of counterfeit handwoven textiles and machine-made woven replicas as substitutes for the authentic handwoven fabrics of the Philippines. (Pagtutol sa malawakang paggamit ng mga pekeng hinabing tela at mga hinabing replika na gawa ng mga makina bilang panghalip sa mga tunay na habing-kamay ng Pilipinas.)
- Use of handwoven textiles for the uniforms and attire of government employees and students. (Paggamit sa mga hinabing tela para sa uniporme at kasuotan ng mga kawani ng pamahalaan at mga mag-aaral.)
- Strong opposition to the use of woven textile designs in sublimation printing and in printed fabrics being sold as if they were handloom woven. (Mariing pagtutol sa paggamit ng mga disenyo ng hinabing tela bilang disenyo sa sublimation printing at sa mga printed na tela binebenta bilang hinahabing tela.)
- Expanded access for weavers to cotton and natural textile fiber-based yarns. (Mas pinalawak na akses ng mga manghahabi sa cotton at natural textile fiber-based yarns.)
- Broader access to training programs to prepare the next generations of weavers and to promote knowledge about the art and science of weaving, especially among the youth. (Pinalawak na akses sa mga programa sa pagsasanay upang maihanda ang mga sumusunod na henerasyon ng mga manghahabi at pagpapalaganap ng kaalaman ukol sa sining at agham ng paghahabi lalo na sa mga kabataan.)
- Unification of all weavers across the Philippines into an organized group. (Pagbubuklod ng lahat ng mga manghahabi sa buong pilipinas bilang isang organisadong grupo.)
- Strengthening policies for the development of the weaving sector and for the protection of intellectual property and the creations of weavers and their respective communities. (Pagpapaigting ng mga polisiya para sa pagpapaunlad ng larangan at pagprotekta sa yamang-isip at mga likha ng manghahabi at ng kanilang grupong kinabibilangan.)
- Respect for the rights and recognition of weavers, especially women whose livelihoods depend on this craft. (Paggalang sa mga karapatan at pagpapahalaga sa mga manghahabi lalo na ang mga kababaihang nakabatay ang kabuhayan sa larangang ito.)
As the Weavers’ Manifesto underscores the importance of keeping weaving traditions alive for the cultural and economic advancement of weavers, a testimony came from Marlyn Muyana of the Baraclayan Weavers Association of Iloilo, who shared how their community’s weaving center contributes to their community’s advancement:
“Before the weaving center was established, our barangay was considered one of the poorest in the municipality. Many families struggled to meet daily needs, and sending children to school felt like an impossible dream. But through hard work, unity, and commitment, the weaving center became our turning point. Today, we are proud to say that we have no out-of-school youth in our community. Almost all our students now have the chance to pursue higher education in colleges and universities.”
Weavers Manifesto also aligns with the advocacy raised by Dr. Leaño, Jr., during the opening ceremony of the festival, where he publicly appealed, “Sana po ‘wag na kayong bumili ng fake handloom woven fabrics because you are not just depriving them of their livelihood. You are depriving them of their culture. You are depriving them of their identity. And most importantly, you are depriving them of their future.”
The four-day festival generated over ₱2 million in gross sales of handloom-woven products from more than 120 participating weavers representing over 40 weaving communities across various regions.
As part of the CottonPH Weaving Movement, around 600 kilograms of cotton yarn were also distributed to boost local handloom weaving, reduce dependence on imported yarns, and promote sustainability through locally spun quality yarns. This marks the first massive distribution of yarns to gauge the weavability and support the overall transition journey of weavers to Philippine cotton yarns.
Additionally, Ilocos Norte will be able to spin and produce cotton yarns for Northern Luzon following the inauguration of the facility on November 20 in Vintar during the festival.
The Philippine Handloom Weaving Festival drew over 1,000 participants and was a collaboration of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Norte Tourism, Cebu Pacific Air, Robinsons Ilocos, and the Local Government of Taguig City, the host city of the Philippine Handloom Weaving Center.
