South Cotabato formally recognized the geographical indication (GI) registration of T’nalak Tau Sebu during the opening of the 60th T’nalak Festival on July 13, giving the traditional T’boli fabric stronger protection against counterfeit products.
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), through General Santos IP Satellite Office specialist Jessel Original-Cofleros, presented the Certificate of GI Registration to South Cotabato governor Reynaldo Tamayo, vice governor Arthur Pingoy Jr., members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and representatives of seven cooperatives belonging to T’nalak Tau Sebu Inc.
IPOPHL officially granted the GI registration on March 4, 2026. The registration recognizes the fabric as a product whose qualities, reputation, and characteristics are tied to its geographical origin in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
“This addition to the nation’s trove of economic and cultural GI treasures not only tells the Tau Sebu’s story but also strengthens the protection of their communities’ woven heritage,” IPOPHL director general Teodoro Pascua said.
“Safeguarding the authenticity of the T’nalak as a GI will ensure the enduring legacy of the Tau Sebu’s weaves for future generations of Filipinos to come,” Pascua added.
T’nalak Tau Sebu is a handwoven abaca fabric produced by the T’boli people using traditional backstrap looms and naturally dyed fibers. Its patterns are created from memory without sketches or physical templates.
The fabric is associated with the T’boli “dreamweavers,” who traditionally attribute their designs to patterns revealed in dreams by Fu Dalu, the abaca goddess. T’nalak typically uses white for its patterns, red for relief, and deep brown or black for the background.
The GI registration provides evidence of the T’nalak Tau Sebu group’s collective ownership of the mark and allows producers to distinguish authentic fabric from imitations.
It builds on the Collective Mark Certificate of Registration awarded to the group on July 18, 2017, which also certifies genuine T’nalak products.
T’nalak is depicted on the country’s P1,000 banknote and has appeared in commemorative coins and international cultural exhibitions.
T’nalak Tau Sebu joins Guimaras Mangoes, Aklan Piña, and Alburquerque Asin Tibuok on the Philippines’ roster of registered geographical indications.
