Congresswoman Ching Bernos

SOLID NORTH PL PUSHES FOR CREATION OF GREEN INDUSTRIAL ZONE PROGRAM

"When we invest in clean energy and sustainable industries, we are not only protecting our environment but also creating decent jobs for our people in the North and across the Philippines.”

This is the main thrust of a bill by Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos that seeks to create a Green Industrial Zone Program to promote sustainable growth especially in less developed areas in the country.

Through House Bill No. 3112 or the Green Industrial Zone (GIZ) Program bill, Bernos hopes to "pursue a development path that is both environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive" in light of the climate crisis.

"The GIZ program provides us with a framework that promotes regionally balanced industrialization consistent with global goals for decarbonization, ecological preservation, and green job creation," Bernos said.

The solon added that unlike traditional industrial zones that cause high pollution, extractive business models, and the marginalization of host communities, GIZs
integrate clean technologies, circular economy practices, renewable energy use, and local labor empowerment into the foundation of industrial development.

She pointed out that via the Green Industrial Zone Program "we can develop new opportunities while also helping the whole country shift to a greener, more sustainable economy.”

Under the measure, GIZs would be established in strategic locations across the country - especially in underdeveloped regions with untapped potential for renewable energy, sustainable raw materials, and green entrepreneurship.

Bernos said that emphasis will be placed on regions such as Northern Luzon - including Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, and adjacent provinces - where local industries such as bamboo processing, agro-industrial manufacturing, eco-textiles, solar assembly, and sustainable packaging offer high potential for inclusive green growth.

According to the solon, "gusto natin na mapalago pa lalo ang mga umuusbong na industriyang ito hindi lang sa Northern Luzon, kundi pati na rin sa ibang rehiyon."

The designation of GIZs would be based on criteria such as: environmental suitability and zoning alignment; proximity to renewable energy sources (e.g., hydro, wind, solar, biomass); availability of labor and potential for green job generation.

Adequate access to transportation, utilities, and logistics infrastructure; proposed or existing presence of enterprises aligned with green standards; availability of shared services such as waste treatment, eco-friendly packaging, and skills training facilities.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority would also be tasked to create a Green Skills Training and and Certification track focused on: renewable energy systems (installation, maintenance); sustainable construction and retrofitting; eco-design and sustainable packaging; bamboo and indigenous material processing; organic agro-processing; and waste recovery, composting, and recycling enterprises.

An initial amount of P5 billion will be set aside from the General Appropriations Act to fund the program.

On behalf of Solid North Party-list, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III. His election is a testament to the strength and unity of the North—and we stand solidly behind him as he leads us toward a more responsive, accountable, and transparent House of Representatives. Bendisyonan ka koma ti Dios, Speaker!

The preservation of handloom weaving and development of neo-ethnic textiles would also be integrated into the other bills of Solid North Party-list that aim to promote community-based tourism and development.

Citing the importance of quality and affordable healthcare, Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos and Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos have filed a measure that seeks to upgrade and expand the province’s hospitals and healthcare system in general.

We remember and honor Apo Lakay on his birthday. The North will forever be grateful for the remarkable contributions of an Ilocano, whose legacy continues to enrich the lives of Filipinos.

Greetings from Solid North Party-list.

The House Bill No. 3111, or the Philippine Neo-Ethnic Textile Development bill, would help both in preserving the deep-rooted culture of handloom weaving and in opening avenues for weaving communities to engage and benefit from neo-ethnic textile production.

READ MORE:https://docs.congress.hrep.online/legisdocs/basic_20/HB03111.pdf

USE INDIGENOUS TEXTILE IN ACADEMIC REGALIA OF SUCS, LUCS TO HELP PRESERVE PHL CULTURE, TRADITIONS

The use of neo-ethnic Philippine textiles in the academic regalia of all state universities and colleges and local universities and colleges will be required if a measure being pushed by Solid North Party-list is passed into law.

According to Rep. Ching Bernos, House BIll No. 3111, or the Philippine Neo-Ethnic Textile Development bill, would help both in preserving the deep-rooted culture of handloom weaving and in opening avenues for weaving communities to engage and benefit from neo-ethnic textile production.

"We want to protect and develop the old tradition of handloom weaving in the country, so the prescribed use of our indigenous textiles in academic regalia is a key provision of our bill," said the lawmaker.

"This would make an instant, and hopefully lasting impact, in our local weaving communities. Sa pamamagitan din nito, nasisiguro natin na may demand sa mga produkto ng ating mga katutubong manghahabi kaya’t mahihikayat sila na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang tradisyon."

The Philippine Neo-Ethnic Textile Development bill seeks to preserve, support, and institutionalize the Philippine handloom weaving industry.

Neo-ethnic textiles refer to textiles made of or containing natural or indigenous materials, sourced and/or produced in the Philippines using updated, relevant, and green scientific and technological approaches and innovations; while integrating and/or retaining traditional patterns, designs, icons, motifs and/or approaches.

The bill pushes for the recognition of weaving as intangible cultural heritage; provide sustained government support for skills transmission, production, innovation, and marketing; empower weavers —especially women—with access to livelihood, training, infrastructure, and social protection.

It also calls for the establishment of a National Neo-Ethnic Textile Development Policy, which shall include the formulation of a neo-ethnic textile industry roadmap; development of a database of neo-ethnic Philippine textiles; innovations in weaving design and engineering; technical support mechanism for sustainable weaving activities; and development of Philippine Standards for Handloom Woven Textiles, among others.

Bernos highlighted the need for the measure as it would help address the multiple challenges that threaten the continued existence of handloom weaving in the country.

Some of these include aging weavers and limited transmission of skills to younger generations, as well as inconsistent access to quality raw materials, limited market access and promotion, inadequate infrastructure support, and lack of institutional protection and development programs, the lawmaker said.

“We have an opportunity to preserve our beloved weaving traditions and at the same time capitalize on worldwide interest in indigenous materials," explained Bernos.

"This is why the government has to step in to ensure that our local artisans and our intangible cultural heritage are not merely taken advantage of then discarded, but actually benefit from the fruits of their labor and knowledge,” she added.

The preservation of handloom weaving and development of neo-ethnic textiles would also be integrated into the other bills of Solid North PL that aim to promote community-based tourism and development.

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