A SENATE bill is proposing to develop the handloom weaving industry and make its products more globally competitive.
Senate Bill 241 or the proposed Philippine Handloom Weaving Industry Development Act of 2022 hopes revive the trade and help weavers tap a broader global market.
Senate President Pro-Tempore聽Lorna Regina B.聽Legarda filed the bill to support the artisans 鈥渨ho continuously safeguard our country鈥檚 rich heritage.鈥
We must give our weaving industry a fighting chance,鈥 she added. 鈥淥ur handwoven fabrics deserve recognition.鈥
The National Handloom Weaving Department Council will be tasked with generating a roadmap for the industry, an intellectual property framework for textiles, and promoting textile-related Technical Skills and Vocational Education and Training.
It will be composed of representatives from the National Commission on Indigenous People, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Garments and Textile Industry Development Office of the Department of Trade and Industry.
鈥淗andloom weaving is one of the most time-honored cottage industries in the Philippines and a resource for rural employment and income,鈥 Ms. Legarda said. 鈥淭he industry has a considerable role in rural development as well as a great source of cultural pride and national identity.鈥
If passed into law, P10 million will be appropriated from the national treasury for initial implementation. 鈥 Alyssa Nicole O. Tan
