Manila, Sept. 6 -- A party-list lawmaker is pushing for the use of neo-ethnic Philippine textiles in the academic regalia of all state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs) to help preserve Philippine tradition and culture.

Bill 3111, or the Philippine Neo-Ethnic Textile Development bill, filed at the House of Representatives seeks to preserve, support, and institutionalize the Philippine handloom weaving industry.

Neo-ethnic textiles refer to textiles made of or containing natural or indigenous materials, sourced and/or produced in the Philippines using updated, relevant, and green scientific and technological approaches and innovations, while integrating and/or retaining traditional patterns, desi...