BAGUIO CITY – Mountain Province Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr. has ordered the immediate enforcement of a new ordinance banning the manufacture, sale, and distribution of machine-made replicas of indigenous woven fabrics and garments within the province.

“We have to protect our woven fabric, which is not just a livelihood but a part of the indigenous culture that was handed down from generations to us,” Lacwasan said in a statement on Wednesday.

He was referring to Ordinance No. 573-2025, which took effect in June.

The measure aims to protect the authenticity and sustainability of traditional Cordillera weaving, which remains a vital expression of tribal identity and a source of income for local communities.

The ordinance applies to all souvenir shops, garment stores, department stores, and online sellers operating in Mountain Province.

It emphasized that Mountain Province is home to time-honored weaving traditions rooted in indigenous culture.

Machine-made imitations, it said, threaten the cultural and economic viability of genuine woven products, undermining their value and authenticity.

“This weaving embodies cultural heritage and craftsmanship and represents the tribal identity of the different Cordillera tribes. For centuries, indigenous weaving has been an essential part of the Cordillera indigenous peoples’ way of life, serving both as a means of cultural expression and becoming part of our history and a vital source of livelihood,” the ordinance said.

To safeguard the culture and heritage of the Cordillera, the ordinance bans the production and sale of machine-made copies.

Businesses found violating the ordinance may face penalties, including the cancellation of their permits and confiscation of machine-made woven items. (PNA)