Unstitch: Sustainable Fashion Forum

05/04/2026

🧶 NEW DISCUSSION PAPER: Weaving Policy and Tradition in Northwestern Panay 🇵🇭✨

How can local governments help preserve ancient traditions in a rapidly modernizing world? Our latest publication explores the intersection of heritage, economy, and local governance.

We are pleased to announce the release of the discussion paper, "Weaving Policy and Tradition: The Role of Local Government Units in Sustaining Handicraft Weaving in Northwestern Panay." This research, published under the Local Regional Studies Network (LRSN) X Center for West Visayan Studies - UP Visayas , focuses on the vibrant weaving communities in the provinces of Aklan and Antique.

Authors Frances Anthea R. Redison, Sashah B. Dioso, and Thania Margarrette O. Coronica provide a comprehensive look at how policy interventions—or the lack thereof—impact the survival of traditional handicrafts.

🔍 Key Research Insights:
🏛️ The LGU Role: An assessment of how Municipal and Provincial governments in Northwestern Panay support (or struggle to support) the local weaving industry through funding, marketing, and infrastructure.
🌿 Cultural Continuity: Understanding the challenges of passing down weaving techniques to the younger generation amidst changing economic aspirations.
📈 Economic Viability: Analyzing the supply chain of handicraft weaving and how local weavers can better access broader markets without losing their cultural identity.
💡 Policy Gaps & Opportunities: Recommendations on how local legislation can be more responsive to the specific needs of traditional artisans.

This paper is a must-read for cultural heritage advocates, local government officials, and development workers interested in sustainable livelihoods and the creative economy of the Visayas.

📖 Download the full discussion paper for FREE here:
https://cids.up.edu.ph/download/weaving-policy-tradition-role-local-government-units-sustaining-handicraft-weaving-northwestern-panay/

25/01/2026

19/11/2025

03/10/2025

Featured Policy: "Anti-Machine-Made Replica of Indigenous Woven Products Ordinance of Malungon 2025."

The Municipality of Malungon is home to rich indigenous heritage and culture, particularly manifested in its traditional woven textiles produced by the Blaan and Tagakaulo communities. These woven materials are not just garments or fabrics but are sacred representations of identity, artistry, and ancestral tradition passed down through generations. In recent years, the widespread manufacture and sale of machine-made replicas have posed a threat to the authenticity and economic sustainability of local weavers, leading to a dilution of cultural value and unfair competition in the market.

This enacted ordinance will regulate all business establishments, including printing shops, souvenir shops, department stores, garment outlets, and online selling platforms operating within the territorial jurisdiction of Malungon, from engaging in the production and commercial distribution of machine-made replicas that imitate indigenous woven fabrics and apparel. It also aims to protect the rights of indigenous peoples as enshrined under Republic Act No. 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997, particularly the protection of their cultural integrity, intellectual property rights, and traditional knowledge systems. The measure is aligned with the mandate of the Local Government Unit to preserve heritage, empower local producers, and ensure ethical trade practices.

Through this ordinance, the 16th Sangguniang Bayan of Malungon strengthens the municipality’s commitment to promote cultural preservation, encourage the appreciation and patronage of authentic indigenous products, and establish a strong partnership between the local government and indigenous communities.

02/10/2025

20/09/2025

22/08/2025

Every thread tells a story ✨

MTIT Maguindanao, Bangsamoro Government, and Philippine Women's College of Davao present INAWL-INISA: Woven Together. This installation showcases Maguindanaon heirloom textiles, ceremonial regalia, and contemporary wearable art in an interactive installation you can walk through, see, and feel. 🌸

📍 GF Hallway near Fully Booked
📅 August 23–24 | ⏰ 10AM–9PM

Don’t miss this enriching exhibit that connects culture, community, and creativity. 💫