BAGUIO CITY, Oct. 22 -- Cordillera officials are pushing for stronger protection of indigenous weaving patterns and designs as the region seeks to help local enterprises benefit from trade and tourism opportunities under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Cordillera Director Raymond Panjon said the agency has begun working on geographical indications to identify the origins of woven fabrics and help protect them from unauthorized use.

Some local government units, including those in Kalinga and Mountain Province, have passed ordinances prohibiting the sale of products that use indigenous textile designs reproduced through sublimation printing, he said.

DTI-Cordillera Assistant D...