In its first hearing in 2021, the House Committee on Basic Education has approved recently a resolution designating June 12 as “Philippine Traditional Wear Day.”
Authored by Leyte 4th District Representative Lucy Torres-Gomez, House Resolution 1374 seeks to further promote awareness and practice of Filipino culture on Independence Day.
HR 1374 states that the practice of wearing Filipino traditional clothing is a form of cultural soft power, a non-coercive influence mechanism that could be used to support cultural heritage and further reinforce the sense of nationalism among Filipinos, especially among the younger generation.
“[T]here is a newfound enthusiasm to discover and deeply immerse in one’s cultural roots by today’s youth population, in the Philippines and abroad,” HR 1374 notes.
“Promoting interest and pride in Filipino traditional wear will create demand for Filipino cultural products.”
The measure adds that promoting interest and pride in Filipino traditional wear will create demand for Filipino cultural products.
“[A]n increased demand for Filipino cultural products could enliven interest in learning traditional Filipino crafts and boost the traditional Filipino crafts industry,” it states.
“The lengthy lockdown bolstered the increased appreciation for Filipino wear. “
Torres-Gomez said the lengthy lockdown bolstered the increased appreciation for Filipino wear.
“The robust growth in online sales of merchandise indeed helped homegrown weavers, designers, and tailors, mostly micro- and small-scale enterprises to proudly put their products out in social media-driven markets,” the veteran legislator said.
Committee Chair Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo presided over the hearing.