Philippine Indigenous and Traditional Academic Regalia Act

Senate Difice of the forcretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES MAY -5 P3:40 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: 2098 S. No. _ Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT PRESCRIBING THE USE OF PHILIPPINE INDIGENOUS AND TRADITIONAL TEXTILES IN THE ACADEMIC REGALIA OF STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES AND LOCAL UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Graduation rites and academic ceremonies mark the culmination of learning and the formal entry of graduates into national life. As solemn rites of passage imbued with symbolism and tradition, these occasions should reflect and represent the cultural identity and artistic heritage of the Filipino people. This proposed measure seeks to transform academic regalia into a meaningful expression of Filipino identity by prescribing the use of Philippine indigenous and traditional textiles in the academic regalia of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs). By integrating indigenous and locally produced textiles into academic garments, the measure affirms cultural pride, strengthens national identity, and fosters deeper appreciation among the youth and academic community for the country's diverse heritage. Beyond symbolism, the measure supports inclusive and sustainable economic development. Philippine textiles embody centuries of craftsmanship practiced by indigenous peoples and traditional weaving communities across the archipelago. Expanding institutional demand for these textiles will create stable market opportunities, encourage the transmission of traditional knowledge, and promote equitable livelihoods for local artisans and weaving communities.

The measure likewise advances culture-based industries and innovation. By encouraging the responsible integration of traditional weaving techniques with environmentally sustainable technologies, it supports the growth of globally competitive Filipino textile products while ensuring authenticity, cultural integrity, and respect for indigenous knowledge systems. Moreover, the proposal promotes ethical sourcing, cultural attribution, and intellectual property protection. Through coordinated standards and consultation with indigenous cultural communities, it ensures that textile designs and motifs are used appropriately and with due recognition and benefit-sharing. By adopting Philippine textiles in academic regalia, higher education institutions become active partners in cultural preservation, sustainable development, and nation- building. This initiative strengthens national pride, supports local industries, and projects Filipino creativity and heritage on ceremonial stages where academic achievement and civic values are celebrated. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought. LOREN LEGARDA

Senate Office of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 26 MAY -5 P3:41 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: 2098 S. No. — Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT PRESCRIBING THE USE OF PHILIPPINE INDIGENOUS AND TRADITIONAL TEXTILES IN THE ACADEMIC REGALIA OF STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES AND LOCAL UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Indigenous

2 and Traditional Academic Regalia Act".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

4 instill patriotism and nationalism among the youth and the academic community, to 5 preserve the cultural heritage of the Filipino people, and to promote equitable 6 economic development by empowering indigenous and traditional weaving 7 communities. Pursuant to these mandates, the State shall use the academic regalia of 8 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) as 9 a platform for celebrating Filipino cultural identity through Philippine indigenous and traditional textiles, thereby generating sustainable livelihoods, sustaining the handloom weaving heritage, and promoting culture-based industries for both local and global markets.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:

(a) Academic regalia refers to the official garb worn by university officials, faculty members, graduates, and awardees during graduation

ceremonies, commencement exercises, hooding ceremonies, and other official academic functions; (b) Philippine indigenous and traditional textiles refer to textiles produced in the Philippines from natural, indigenous, or locally sourced materials using traditional weaving methods, including handloom techniques, whether in their original form or enhanced through environmentally sustainable scientific and technological innovations, while integrating and retaining traditional Filipino patterns, motifs, and design traditions;

Sec. 4. Mandatory Use of Philippine Indigenous and Traditional Textiles. - All

SUCs and LUCs shall incorporate Philippine indigenous and traditional textiles in their academic regalia. Each SUC and LUC may retain its established institutional colors, symbols, and design distinctions.

Sec. 5. Creation of the Philippine Academic Regalia Committee. - To ensure

coordinated, expert, and cost-efficient implementation of this Act, there is hereby constituted a Philippine Academic Regalia Committee (PARC), which shall be composed of the following: (a) The Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, as Chairperson; (b) The Director of the Philippine Textile Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PTRI), as Co-Chairperson; (c) A representative from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA); (d) A representative from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP); (e) A representative from the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC); (f) A representative from the Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU); (g) A representative from the University of the Philippines System; (h) A representative from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL); and

(i) A representative from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Members of the PARC shall serve in an ex officio capacity and shall not receive 3 additional compensation. Secretariat support to the PARC shall be provided by CHED.

Sec. 6. Powers and Functions of the PARC. - The PARC shall have the following

5 powers and functions: (a) Formulate the National Academic Regalia Policy, which shall prescribe minimum standards for indigenous and traditional textile content, quality, and design specifications for academic regalia covered by this Act; (b) Develop and periodically review design guidelines for academic regalia incorporating Philippine indigenous and traditional textiles, while preserving institutional identity; Ensure the sustainability, quality, accessibility, and traceability of materials, including tropical fabrics, natural yarns, dyes, and loom parts, with due preference for locally sourced materials and for production by indigenous peoples, indigenous cultural communities, artisanal weaving communities, and small-scale local weavers, consistent with their rights to cultural integrity and ownership of traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, and subject to free and prior informed consent where applicable; (d) Promote ethical sourcing practices and fair, transparent, and equitable compensation and benefit-sharing mechanisms for indigenous peoples, weaving communities, and local artisans participating in production; (e) Establish standards for provenance labeling, authenticity verification, and proper cultural attribution of indigenous and traditional textiles used in academic regalia; Develop protocols to ensure the culturally appropriate use of patterns, motifs, and designs, including safeguards where such elements possess sacred, ceremonial, or restricted cultural significance; (g) Recommend appropriate technological innovations to enhance production processes and scale supply to meet institutional demand

while maintaining cultural integrity and environmental sustainability; (h) Promote environmentally sustainable production methods, including the use of natural dyes, low-impact processing, and climate-resilient raw materials where practicable; (i) Promote understanding, appreciation, and respect within the academic community for the cultural heritage and traditions embodied in Philippine indigenous and traditional textiles; (i) Prepare and publish, within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act, a publicly accessible handbook on academic regalia, including its proper use, care, design heritage, and management; (k) Support the documentation and preservation of Philippine textile traditions, in coordination with relevant cultural agencies and academic institutions; and (I) Coordinate with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and other relevant agencies to protect intellectual property rights and safeguard indigenous cultural heritage related to design silhouettes, textile patterns, colors, and textile specifications developed pursuant to this Act.

Sec. 7. Consultation with Indigenous and Weaving Communities. - In

formulating the National Academic Regalia Policy and design guidelines under this Act, the PARC shall undertake free, prior, and informed consultation with indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples and traditional weaving communities, consistent with Republic Act No. 8371, or the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997, and other applicable laws. No design, pattern, motif, icon, or textile element that forms part of the cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, or cultural expressions of a specific 27 indigenous group or weaving community shall be used, reproduced, or adapted without their free, prior, and informed consent, proper cultural attribution, and fair 29 and equitable benefit-sharing arrangements.

Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the

effectivity of this Act, the Commission on Higher Education shall, in consultation with

1 the PARC member agencies and other relevant stakeholders, issue the Implementing 2 Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the effective implementation of this Act.

Sec. 9. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of

4 this Act shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 10. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared

6 unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall 7 remain in force and effect.

Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive

9 order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this 10 Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following

its complete publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,