Weavers Manifesto cries for respect, support for Philippine weaves, denounces machine replicas, printed substitutes

The growing popularity of traditional handloom-woven textiles has placed Filipino weavers at a critical crossroads. Their designs, heritage, and livelihoods are increasingly threatened not only by printed and machine-made replicas but also by unfair market access, lack of intellectual property protection, and limited recognition of their rights as artists, cultural bearers, and workers. While counterfeit fabrics dilute authenticity and deceive consumers, deeper challenges persist. Weavers struggle to reach inclusive markets, secure fair compensation, and pass down their craft to future generations. These shared concerns have prompted weaving communities across the country to unite and assert their rights to livelihood, cultural identity, and a rightful place in the nation’s textile value chain.

In response to this growing concern, the Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST PTRI), consolidated the weavers’ insights and thoughts through the Weavers Manifesto during the 1st Philippine Handloom Weaving Festival held at Robinsons Ilocos in Ilocos Norte on 22 November 2025 as part of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Week. The signing was led by Dr. Julius Leaño Jr., Director of DOST PTRI, and the delegation of more than 120 weavers from over 40 weaving communities across the country. It was witnessed by DOST Ilocos Region Director, Dr. Tereista Tabaog and Assistant Secretary Anna Carmela V. Remigio, Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon.

The 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 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. (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 underlines the importance of keeping weaving traditions alive for 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 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.”

The said Manifesto is also in line with the advocacy raised by Dr. Leaño, Jr., during the opening ceremony of the festival, when for the first time he publicly called on the public and said, “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 Philippine Handloom Weaving Festival generated over ₱2 million in gross sales of handloom woven products from over 120 participating weavers from more than 40 weaving communities representing various regions across the country. A total of 600 kilograms of cotton yarns was also distributed to the weavers as part of the CottonPH Weaving Movement, a program that aims to boost local handloom weaving, reduce dependency on imported yarns, and promote sustainability by providing weavers with locally spun quality yarns. This is the first massive distribution of yarns that awaits feedback on the weavibility and the overall transitioning journey that the weavers will undergo in weaving Philippine cotton yarns. Ilocos Norte will also be able to spin and produce cotton yarns for Northern Luzon after the inauguration of the facility last 20 November in Vintar, Ilocos Norte, during the duration of the Festival.

The four-day festival attracted over 1,000 participants in all its activities. The 1st Philippine Handloom Weaving Festival is a collaboration of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Norte Tourism, Cebu Pacific Air, Robinsons Ilocos, and the Local Government of Taguig City, which is the host city of the Philippine Handloom Weaving Center

CITY OF MALOLOS — Nearly 300 racers across the country and from abroad convened for another adrenaline-fueled installment of Lakbike Turismo: Lakbike Festival Teban 7 – Enduro Race, a premier downhill competition held last Sunday, December 7, on the rugged trails of Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan, sealing the town’s reputation as one of the adventure and eco-sports destination in Luzon. 

Organized by the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) through the Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PHACTO) along with the Bulacan Gravity Crew, the event was participated by cyclists from La Union, Tuguegarao, Pampanga, Cavite, Batangas, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Metro Manila, Laguna, Baguio, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Cagayan De Oro, Bicol, Mindanao, Guam, London, Australia, Chicago, and Singapore.

This year’s race introduced a diverse roster of categories to provide the participants a competitive and inclusive sporting experience ranging from Open Men and Women, E-MTB, Executive, Men Age 50 and Above, Men Age 40-49, Men Age 30-39, Men Age 20-29, Men Age 15-19, Men Age 14 and below, and Hardtail categories. 

Steven Adler Paulino of the Bulacan Gravity Crew expressed his gratitude to the participants for pushing through the competition despite the forecasted high chance of rainfall a day before the event.

“Let’s do the 100% pa rin, gawin pa rin nating 100%. Lahat ng supplies ipasok natin para lahat ng darating masaya. [Kaya] sa mga nandito, maraming salamat po,” Paulino said. 

The seventh edition of the racing tilt also featured four special stages that highlighted the natural landscapes and sceneries of the town, starting at the Candle Monument in Brgy. Camachin and concluding at the Teban Trail Parking in Brgy. Talbak. 

On the other hand, OIC Department Head of PHACTO May Arlene DG. Torres shared in her message how the PGB consistently promotes sports and eco-tourism in the province, highlighting Doña Remedios Trinidad’s potential as an emerging tourist destination in the country. 

“Ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan po ay itinataguyod ang sports tourism tulad po nito, at gano’n din po ang eco-tourism. Ito pong DRT ay emerging na tourist destination, kaya sana po sa mga darating na taon ay mas mapasyalan niyo pa po ang iba’t ibang bahagi ng DRT at ng Bulacan. At sana ay sa inyong palaging pagpunta sa Bulacan, mahalin n’yo po ang [aming lalawigan],” she said. 

Meanwhile, a tree-planting activity was also conducted in certain parts of the town prior to the competition participated by selected racers, stressing Bulacan’s continued advocacy for ecotourism, environmental stewardship, and responsible outdoor recreation. 

Through the coordination of DOST-CALABARZON, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of the City of Santa Rosa hosted a successful benchmarking activity on December 3, 2025. The event was attended by officials and representatives from various DOST regional and provincial offices.

This activity is a key component of the project “Empowering Communities through SMART Roadmaps and Technologies,” spearheaded by DOST-CAR. Its primary goal is to benchmark progressive cities across the country, with the City of Santa Rosa in Laguna recognized as a leading example. The event served as a vital platform for sharing best practices in implementing smart and sustainable community initiatives, including programs on digital transformation and smart governance efforts.

Site Tour and Best Practice Sharing

The benchmarking delegation conducted a comprehensive site tour to observe Santa Rosa’s innovative projects firsthand:

1. Water Testing Laboratory and Pyrolysis Facility: The tour commenced here, where Engr. Maria Amor Salandanan, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer, provided an in-depth discussion on the city’s innovative waste management and circular economy projects.
2. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO): Mr. Antonio Z. Lu, City DRRMO Operations Manager, guided the delegation, showcasing Santa Rosa’s advanced disaster preparedness and response capabilities. This included facilities, equipment, vehicles, the AI-powered traffic monitoring system, incident response mechanisms, and sophisticated weather monitoring approaches.
3. Santa Rosa City Hall and IT Room: The third stop focused on digital governance. Key information systems supporting internal business operations and health-related programs were presented, followed by a brief tour of the IT Room and the City Health Office.

The event concluded with a courtesy visit to the City Mayor’s Office, where the delegation was graciously received by Honorable Arlene Arcillas.

The City of Santa Rosa is one of the pioneer smart cities in the country and was recently recognized in various categories of DOST’s Smart and Sustainable Communities Award during the 2025 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) held in Laoag City last November 21, 2025. Among the seven distinguished awards received by the LGU are:

In the Human Well-Being Pillar

• Quick Response: Safer Santa Rosa (Level 2)
• Santa Rosa Book and Ride: Free Toyota Community Shuttle (Level 3)

Wealth Protection Pillar

• Increasing Santa Rosa City’s Resilience Through Disaster Preparedness (Level 2)
• Assistance of the Santa Rosa Manpower Training Center in the Employment of Graduate Students (Level 2)
• Santa Rosa e-Recruit: Digitalizing Local Employment Matching and Services (Level 3)
• Santa Rosa Central Command Center (SRCCC) (Level 3)
• Sustained Nourishment: A Collaborative Feeding Initiative with the City of Santa Rosa (Level 3)

Santa Rosa City, through the technical assistance of DOST-CALABARZON, continues to reinforce its commitment to serving as a model smart city—one that actively embraces and employs Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) to sustain and elevate its standard of public service.

For S&T-related contents, follow DOST CALABARZON.

As part of the nationwide 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), the Department of Science and Technology Region 02 successfully conducted its advocacy program “Mentoring Change: MOVE Forward to End Violence Against Women” on December 4, 2025, at the DOST R02 Conference Room.

The event gathered a diverse audience—including representatives from partner agencies, DOST R02 staff, and a strong delegation of on-the-job trainees (OJTs) and immersion students from across Cagayan—highlighting the crucial role of youth participation in advancing gender-sensitive communities.

DOST R02 Regional Director Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera opened the program with welcome remarks and an inspirational message, reaffirming the agency’s firm commitment to promoting a safer, more inclusive society for women and children. She highlighted the critical responsibility of government institutions, communities, and especially the youth in creating proactive environments that prevent violence before it begins.

The program featured two compelling lectures from expert resource speakers who shed light on the cultural and institutional dimensions of gender-based violence.

Dr. Trician Jan Taguba-Villarosa delivered a medical perspective in her talk titled “Promoting Healthy Masculinity”, exploring how gender norms shape behavior and how redefining masculinity can contribute to reducing violence against women. Her insights emphasized the need for compassionate, non-violent expressions of manhood and early intervention through education and awareness.

Adding a law enforcement perspective, Police Staff Sergeant Mary Jane G. de Obieta of PNP Region 2 presented the Philippine National Police’s best practices under MOVE PH (Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere). Her presentation, “Championing MEN’s Involvement in Ending VAW,” showcased successful grassroots programs that position men as advocates and protectors in the campaign to end VAWC.

An open forum encouraged interactive participation, with students actively raising questions and sharing reflections on the importance of gender respect, safe spaces, and community solidarity. Their voices echoed a growing movement of youth who are ready to be changemakers in the fight against gender-based violence.

The event culminated in a Pledge of Commitment, with all attendees affirming their shared dedication to ending VAWC. Certificates of participation were awarded, acknowledging the valuable contributions of each participant.

By convening this forum, DOST Region 2 reaffirmed its role not only as a scientific and technological agency but as a community advocate for gender justice and youth empowerment. The initiative also strengthened the narrative that VAWC prevention is a collective responsibility—one that requires the collaboration of institutions, families, and especially the younger generation.

As the 18-Day Campaign continues across the country, DOST 2’s program stands as a powerful reminder: Ending violence starts with education, engagement, and empowered voices—especially those of the youth.

The Provincial Government of Cavite, through the Office of the Provincial Cooperatives Development Officer (OPCDO), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Cavite Employees and Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PGCECC), conducted a consultative meeting on MSME Program Convergence aligned with the MSME Development (MSMED) Plan 2025–2028 on December 4, 2025 at the Cavite Provincial Government Center.

With the theme “Forging Synergies for Inclusive Growth,” the activity gathered key stakeholders, cooperative representatives, and local partners to discuss strategies that strengthen support systems for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province. The consultation aimed to harmonize existing programs, identify gaps, and align local initiatives with the upcoming MSMED Plan to ensure inclusive and sustainable economic development.

The meeting also served as a venue to reinforce collaborative efforts between the provincial government and cooperatives toward improving business environments, enhancing enterprise capabilities, and creating more opportunities for Cavite’s MSME sector.

The OPCDO emphasized its commitment to fostering strong partnerships and implementing programs that empower local entrepreneurs as drivers of community growth. (DOST Cavite)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed Congress to prioritize four proposed legislative measures during a Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting held in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday.

President Marcos asked Congress to prioritize the Anti-Dynasty bill; Independent People’s Commission Act bill; Party-list System Reform Act bill; and the Citizens Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability or CADENA Act bill that seeks to institutionalize transparency and accountability on public finance.

“In a LEDAC meeting this morning, the President also instructed both Houses to take a closer look at the four bills and prioritize the passage as soon as possible,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced.

Also present during the LEDAC meeting were Senate President Vicente Sotto III, House Speaker Faustino Dy III, Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, and other congressional leaders.

Castro said the LEDAC also agreed on the timelines for the passage of the 2026 General Appropriations Act and the submission of the bill for the President’s signature. | PND