Bontoc, Mountain Province — In a decisive move to uphold cultural integrity and support local artisans, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Mountain Province has enacted Provincial Ordinance No. 573, a landmark measure that prohibits the manufacture, distribution, and sale of machine-made replicas of indigenous woven materials and apparel within the province.
The ordinance, approved during the June 2, 2025 session and signed into law by Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., aims to preserve the traditional weaving practices of the Cordillera—a craft deeply rooted in the identity, history, and livelihood of its Indigenous Peoples. By banning inauthentic imitations, the province sends a strong message: cultural heritage is not a commodity to be cheaply replicated.
According to the ordinance, indigenous weaving refers to the manual and traditional creation of textiles through handlooms and other non-mechanized techniques. These woven fabrics are not merely functional or decorative—they are cultural narratives, passed down through generations, each strand woven with meaning and memory. Machine-made replicas, by contrast, are mass-produced textiles that mimic indigenous patterns using digital or screen printing and other industrial means. These imitations often flood the market at lower prices, undercutting authentic artisans and threatening to erode both the market and meaning of traditional weaving.
The ordinance applies to all souvenir shops, department and garment stores, and online sellers operating within Mountain Province. It outlines escalating penalties for violators: a reprimand and a written notice upon first offense, confiscation of items on the second offense, and both confiscation and cancellation of business permits on the third and subsequent violations. These sanctions are designed not only to deter violators but also to reinforce the value of authentic craftsmanship.
By enacting this ordinance, Mountain Province positions itself as a protector of cultural heritage in an increasingly commodified world. It acknowledges the importance of indigenous weaving not only as an economic activity but as a form of cultural expression and identity. The ordinance reflects a growing awareness that preserving cultural heritage means defending it from exploitation and misrepresentation.
This move also highlights the importance of conscious consumerism. For tourists and buyers, it is a reminder that purchasing authentic handwoven textiles is more than acquiring a beautiful product—it is an act of solidarity with the weavers and the communities they represent. Supporting local weavers means sustaining a living tradition and ensuring that the knowledge and artistry embedded in each fabric continue to thrive.
Mountain Province’s ordinance sets an example for other regions where traditional arts are vulnerable to commercial dilution. It challenges both consumers and businesses to think critically about authenticity, ownership, and respect for indigenous cultures. In protecting its weavers, the province is not only preserving a craft but also reaffirming the dignity of the people who keep that tradition alive.
In a world of fast fashion and mass production, Provincial Ordinance No. 573 is a strong reminder that some things—like culture, heritage, and identity—should never be reduced to replicas. They are meant to be honored, supported, and protected, one thread at a time. -CCT
