AKLAN — Aklan’s world-renowned piña handloom weaving has reached a historic milestone after being officially registered as a Geographical Indication (GI) — making it the third product in the Philippines and the second in Western Visayas to earn such recognition, following the Guimaras mango and Bohol’s asin tibuok.
The Certificate of GI Registration was awarded in a ceremony organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aklan Provincial Office on September 19 at the Marzon Convention Center in Kalibo. The event gathered a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, legislators, weaving associations, academe representatives, local fashion designers, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), piña weavers, and members of the media.
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), led by Director General Atty. Brigitte M. Da Costa-Villaluz, conferred the certificate, with Atty. Jesus Antonio Z. Ros of the Bureau of Trademarks presenting the document to Anna India Legaspi, president of the Aklan Piña & Indigenous Fibers Manufacturers and Traders Association, Inc. (Aklan Piña Mantra).
In her keynote message, Da Costa-Villaluz described GI recognition as “a gift that will open opportunities, not just for Aklan but for the Philippines because of reciprocal recognition with other countries.” She noted that GI status places Aklan Piña alongside globally recognized products such as France’s Champagne and Cambodia’s Kampot pepper.
DTI Region 6 Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Ma. Dinda R. Tamayo echoed this, saying the award “goes beyond showcasing its finery — it is a label of artisans’ craft, enduring, culture-rich and resilient, embodying the geographical attributes of Aklan and the Aklanons.”
For DTI Aklan director Romel Amihan, the GI certificate is both a legal milestone and a tribute to local weavers. “It is more than just a label — it is a powerful branding tool that speaks of quality, reputation, unique characteristics, and authenticity,” he said.
The GI status secures compliance with a Manual of Specifications covering raw materials, fiber extraction, traditional weaving methods, and product labeling, ensuring that authentic Aklan Piña products maintain high standards. It also boosts export competitiveness, provides greater value for artisans and farmers, and shields the industry from imitations.
Messages of support poured in from national and local leaders, including Sen. Loren Legarda, TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, Aklan representatives Jesus R. Marquez and Florencio T. Miraflores, Kalibo’s Mayor Juris B. Sucro, and Gabrielle “Billie” Calizo-Quimpo of Soroptimist International.
With Aklan piña now carrying the GI seal, Western Visayas further cements its reputation as a hub of unique, world-class products — a recognition that strengthens cultural heritage while uplifting the livelihoods of weaving communities./PN
