Weavers Manifesto called for respect for Filipino woven textiles, condemn sale of counterfeits

The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) has launched the Weavers Manifesto, which called for respect and protection for authentic Filipino weaves.

In a statement, DOST-PTRI shared that Filipino weavers had been faced with challenges such as counterfeit and mass-production of textiles that lead to limited recognition for the craft and lack of intellectual property protection.

“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,” the statement read.

As a response to these issues, DOST-PTRI led the creation of the Weavers Manifesto with over 120 weavers nationwide.

The Manifesto covered the following issues:

• Opposition to the widespread use of counterfeit and machine-made replicas
• Use of handwoven textiles for government and student uniforms
• Opposition to the use and sale of printed woven textile designs 
• Expanded access of weavers to cotton and natural textile fiber-based yarns
• Broader access to training programs for the next generation of weavers
• Unification of weavers nationwide
• Call for stronger policies in the development of the weaving sector
• Respect for the rights and recognition of Philippine weavers

The DOST-PTRI continues to echo the call of Filipino weavers to refrain from promoting and using counterfeit woven fabrics.

“Sana po ‘wag na kayong bumili ng (We hope you do not buy) 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,” said DOST-PTRI Director Dr. Julius Leaño Jr. said.  — Jiselle Anne Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News