The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) underscored its commitment to indigenous textile heritage at the T’nalak Weavers Forum, organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) during the Helobung Festival.

The Institute presented key innovations for handloom communities including spun blended yarns, natural dyes, enhanced looms, and capacity-building programs. Its Digitalization Program was also highlighted as a vital initiative for protecting indigenous knowledge, mapping weaving communities, and establishing digital registries to ensure provenance, authenticity, and ethical collaboration.

The forum reaffirmed the sacred and cultural essence of authentic T’nalak, rooted in abaca fiber, natural red, black, and white dyes, and the dream-guided weaving process practiced exclusively by Tboli women. While innovation was acknowledged, participants stressed that materials like cotton, silk, blended yarns, and colors such as blue and green may only be used in commercial weaving and must not be labeled or misrepresented as authentic T’nalak.

It was also clarified that while male weavers may engage in commercial production, the sacred tradition of T’nalak remains a women-led spiritual practice. Weaving communities were recognized as cultural authorities, empowered to decide how and when innovations may be adopted in ways that honor ancestral values.

The forum concluded with a strong call for certification and ethical labeling systems, along with continued support from DOST Region XII, NCIP, DOT, Local Government Unit of Lake Sebu and other partners to protect the integrity and sustainability of T’nalak weaving.