Mountain Province Bans Machine-Made Replicas of Indigenous Weaves to Protect Cultural Heritage

To protect its rich cultural identity and support local livelihoods, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Mountain Province has officially passed Provincial Ordinance No. 573, which prohibits all souvenir shops, department and garment stores, and online sellers within the province from manufacturing, distributing, or selling machine-made replicas of Cordillera indigenous woven materials and apparel.

The ordinance was carried and approved on June 2, 2025 during the 138th session of the 11th Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

A Heritage Rooted in Tradition

Mountain Province is home to a long-standing tradition of indigenous weaving. These weaves, passed down through generations, are not only products of craftsmanship but also serve as expressions of identity for different Cordillera tribes. For centuries, they have been an essential part of the Cordillera Indigenous People’s way of life, serving as a means of cultural expression and a vital source of income for many families.

However, the rise of mass-produced and machine-made replicas has posed a significant threat to this tradition. These imitations are often made using digital or screen printing and lack the authenticity and cultural value embedded in genuine handwoven textiles.

What the Ordinance Covers

Under Article 1, the ordinance is titled:

“An Ordinance Prohibiting All Souvenir Shops, Department/Garment Stores, and Online Selling Stores in Mountain Province from Manufacturing, Distributing and Selling Machine-Made Replica of Cordillera Indigenous Woven Materials and Apparels in Mountain Province.”

Article 2 outlines the scope and key definitions:

• Indigenous weaving refers to traditional textile production using handlooms and manual techniques.
• Machine-made copy or replica includes products imitating indigenous designs but created through industrial processes such as digital or screen printing.

The ordinance applies to all physical and digital retail locations operating within the province.

Penalties and Enforcement

Article 3 specifies the following penalties for violations:

• First offense: Reprimand and notice to provide an explanation
• Second offense: Confiscation of the machine-made items
• Third and succeeding offenses: Confiscation of items and cancellation of business permit

These provisions were established to ensure strict adherence and to discourage the commercialization of cultural designs without context, consent, or respect.

Protecting Culture and Livelihood

According to the ordinance’s explanatory note, the local government emphasizes that the widespread use of machine-made replicas threatens not just authenticity but also the sustainability of traditional weaving as a livelihood. These factory-made versions often undercut the prices of authentic weaves and erode the cultural significance of designs that carry generations of history and symbolism.

By enforcing this ban, the Provincial Government aims to preserve the dignity and identity embedded in indigenous textiles. The move also seeks to empower local weavers who depend on their craft for economic sustenance.

A Step Toward Responsible Cultural Commerce

Mountain Province’s initiative serves as a model for other areas across the Cordillera and the Philippines that wish to protect indigenous crafts from mass-market dilution. It is a reminder that cultural appreciation must always be paired with authenticity and ethical respect.