Filipino weaving communities have issued a powerful call to action through the Weavers Manifesto, unveiled at the 1st Philippine Handloom Weaving Festival in Robinsons Ilocos. Spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST–PTRI), the manifesto urges respect and support for authentic handloom textiles while denouncing machine-made replicas and printed substitutes that threaten culture, identity, and livelihoods.

The initiative addresses challenges facing traditional weavers, including counterfeit fabrics, limited market access, and insufficient intellectual property protection. Led by Dr. Julius Leaño Jr., DOST–PTRI Director, more than 120 weavers from over 40 communities nationwide signed the manifesto, witnessed by DOST Ilocos Region Director Dr. Teresita Tabaog and Assistant Secretary Ana Carmela V. Remigio.

The manifesto calls for broader recognition of handwoven textiles, including their use in government and school uniforms, opposition to printed fabric substitutes, expanded access to natural fiber yarns, and more training programs to nurture future generations of weavers. It also emphasizes unifying weavers into organized groups, strengthening policies to protect their creations, and ensuring respect for the rights of artisans, especially women whose livelihoods depend on weaving.

Festival participants testified to the impact of weaving centers. Marlyn Muyana of the Baraclayan Weavers Association of Iloilo shared how their community’s weaving center transformed their barangay, enabling all children to attend school and pursue higher education.

During the festival, Dr. Leaño urged the public, “Do not buy fake handloom fabrics. You are depriving weavers of their livelihood, culture, identity, and future.” The four-day festival generated over ₱2 million in sales, distributed 600 kilograms of local cotton yarn, and inaugurated a spinning facility in Vintar, Ilocos Norte to support Northern Luzon weavers.

The event drew over 1,000 participants, highlighting the growing movement to preserve Philippine handloom weaving while promoting economic and cultural sustainability across the country.