Contributors: Monica Madrigal, Ditta Sandico and Lulu Tan-Gan
A woven piece is more than just a beautiful pattern, texture, or design. Behind every thread is a story. A story of a community, a tradition, a weaver, and the time and skill that went into creating it. But how do we discover these stories?
More than just a label, a product tag can help connect consumers to the people, places, and processes behind the handmade pieces they bring home. It also gives them a clearer understanding of the value behind the pricing and why these pieces are often more expensive than fast fashion.
For textile advocates like Monica Madrigal, and designers Ditta Sandico and Lulu Tan-Gan, proper product tagging helps ensure that every weave is understood, appreciated, and valued for what it truly represents.
Ditta Sandico with the Mangyan weavers
One of the most important details consumers should learn from product tags is the origin of the weave. Monica shared that tags should include the name of the weave, the region where it comes from, and the weaving community behind it.
“Consumers can familiarize themselves with the diverse weaving communities across the country and the look or aesthetic of their corresponding weaves,” she explained.
Maranao langkit trim on the loom from Monica Madrigal
Monica Madrigal with Evelynda Otong, their partner Yakan weaver
Fish themed Yakan weave from Monica Madrigal
With the growing number of weaving traditions across the Philippines, product tags give consumers the chance to discover stories beyond the more familiar textiles. They highlight the different communities that continue to preserve their craft and pass their knowledge from one generation to the next.
Banaca weaving process in Catanduanes from DITTA
Ditta also emphasized the importance of sharing the process behind each piece. The time, creativity, and effort that transform materials into meaningful designs. When consumers understand what goes into creating a textile, they begin to see it not just as a product, but as something shaped by dedication and tradition.
Ditta Sandico with the weaving community
A product tag also helps consumers better understand what they are purchasing.
According to Monica, tags should include the composition of the weave, whether it is made from cotton, polyester, or a combination of fibers. Knowing the materials helps consumers understand the quality, characteristics, and proper care of the product. This information allows buyers to appreciate the value behind the piece, from the choice of materials to the craftsmanship involved in creating it.
Product tags by DITTA for their Mangyan Collection
Additional information about Banaca fabrics handwoven in Catanduanes on DITTA product tags
The photo below shows a sample of a product tag created by Lulu Tan-Gan, based on her PiñaWear concept, which she has been developing for the past 20 years.
Tan-Gan product tags for the Loom & Light Collection
Lulu Tan-Gan shares, “My approach has always been quite different from the traditional one, as I was moving piña to contemporary wear, innovating the look, the feel of fabric, and the usage of Piña. Because of that, the handling and care instructions naturally changed as well.”
As Filipino textiles continue to gain attention, protecting authentic woven products becomes even more important. Product tagging can help consumers identify the difference between locally made weaves and imitations by providing information about their origins, makers, and materials.
Monica shared that an informed consumer is better able to recognize authentic products and understand the importance of supporting genuine weaving communities.
Ditta added that proper labeling helps protect artisans and designers from misinformation while highlighting the people behind the work.
“Informing consumers about the origins of the product, and shedding light on the artisans who made the textiles and designs can help battle fake copies,” she shared.
When consumers understand the story behind a piece, they begin to appreciate its true value.
Just like Monica Madrigal, Ditta Sandico and Lulu Tan-Gan, many entrepreneurs and designers have seen how learning the story behind a weave changes the way people appreciate a product.
During events and bazaars, Monica shared that many consumers become curious when they discover weaving communities they were previously unfamiliar with. She works with weavers from Negros Occidental, and many are surprised to learn about the weaving traditions from the region.
Monica Madrigal with Ruby and Mildred, their partner Negros 9 weavers from Kabankalan, Negros Occidental
For Ditta, sharing the story behind the product helps consumers better understand the value of handmade pieces.
“They gain better appreciation for the products and are able to justify the pricing of the brand. They understand the efforts to create the finished products and know it is hand-made, not just machine mass-produced,” she explained.
A product tag may seem like a small detail, but it carries important information that helps keep traditions alive. By recognizing the origins, materials, and makers behind a weave, proper tagging helps preserve the identity of Filipino textiles.
As part of our efforts to align with emerging global standards, HABI: The Philippine Textile Council is introducing product tagging for all Likhang HABI Market Fair vendors, providing information on fiber content and geographic origin. This initiative encourages vendors to showcase products that reflect the richness, creativity, and diversity of Philippine textiles while helping consumers better understand the stories, materials, and craftsmanship behind every piece.
Because every woven creation carries more than just design. It carries the stories, skills, and communities that make it meaningful.
