QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has announced the upcoming launch of the amended Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9242, known as the Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) Law. This law mandates the use of Philippine tropical fabrics for the official uniforms of government officials and employees.
The launch event, scheduled for 30 August 2023, will be attended by officials and representatives from the PTF Inter-Agency Technical Working Group (TWG), including the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (DA-PhilFIDA), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Senator Loren B. Legarda, the principal author of the law, will also deliver a supportive message. CSC Chairperson Karlo Nograles expressed pride in spearheading this initiative, which aims to promote the local textile industry and instill patriotism among civil servants.
The PTF Law, signed on February 10, 2004, requires eligible government officials and employees who receive clothing allowance for office uniforms to utilize Philippine Tropical Fabrics. The law defines tropical fabrics as those containing natural fibers produced, spun, woven, or knitted and finished in the Philippines.
The amended IRR expands the definition of natural textile fibers to include abaca, banana, pineapple, silk, and bamboo, among others. However, a 2021 report evaluating the law’s implementation highlighted the need for a review of the current IRR. This review aims to address the reported non-availability of PTF and the limited number of suppliers meeting the standards set by the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) tests.
In collaboration with the PTF TWG, the CSC led the review of the IRR through consultative meetings with stakeholders from the private sector. The revised IRR is expected to enhance compliance and cooperation among government agencies.
During the launch, CSC Assistant Commissioner and Head of the Inter-Agency TWG, Atty. Ariel Ronquillo, will also present the key provisions of the Amended IRR, while CSC Chairperson Nograles and CSC Commissioners Aileen Lourdes Lizada and Ryan Alvin Acosta will present a copy of the Amended IRR to Senator Legarda. (CSC / PIA-NCR)
