DOST–PTRI unveils Weavers Manifesto
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 substitutes for the authentic handwoven fabrics of the Philippines.
- Use of handwoven textiles for the uniforms and attire of government employees and students.
- Strong opposition to the use of woven textile designs in sublimation printing and in printed fabrics being sold as if they were handloom woven.
- Expanded access for weavers to cotton and 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.
- Unification of all weavers across the Philippines into an organized group.
- 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.
- Respect for the rights and recognition of weavers, especially women whose livelihoods depend on this craft.
Keeping weaving traditions
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 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.
