Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month 2025
This January, we proudly celebrate Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month, honoring the artistry and craftsmanship behind our indigenous textiles made from abaca, piña, banana, and Philippine silk. These exquisite fabrics beautifully embody our heritage, sustain livelihoods, and highlight a uniquely Filipino identity on the global fashion stage.
As a staunch advocate of our cultural and textile heritage, I authored Republic Act No. 9242, or the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law, to institutionalize support for our local weavers and textile industries. This landmark legislation prescribes the use of Philippine tropical fabrics for official uniforms of government officials and employees, creating a consistent market for our weavers while ensuring their exceptional craftsmanship receives the recognition it deserves.
This celebration is also an opportune time to visit the country’s first permanent textile gallery, the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Gallery, which I initiated in 2012 at the National Museum of the Philippines. The gallery, now located in the National Museum of Anthropology, serves as a vibrant showcase of traditional textiles created by various indigenous and cultural communities across the country. It also has regional components in the National Museums in Ilocos, Kiangan, Iloilo, Antique, Butuan, Zamboanga, and Davao, further broadening access to these treasures of our heritage.
Let us continue to support our local weavers, preserve traditional techniques, and embrace innovation to revitalize our textile industry. Together, we can ensure that this timeless craft, passed down through generations, remains a source of pride and progress for every Filipino.
Wear your culture. Support Philippine Tropical Fabrics!