Solon proposes law requiring pageant contestants to wear Filipino-made gowns

Filipino beauty queens will be required to wear gowns designed by homegrown talent if a bill proposed by a lawmaker is enacted into law.

House Bill 5691 or “Filipino Fashion Designers for Filipino beauty Pageants Contestants Act of 2015,” filed by Parañaque City Representative Eric L. Olivarez, requires the involvement of Filipino fashion designers in the designing of garments, dresses and costumes for Filipino beauty pageant contestants.

He explained that while foreign nationals may assist in the design process, a Filipino designer should head the team.

The bill requires all local franchise holders, sponsors, handlers, organizers and other institutions of beauty pageants to recruit Filipino fashion designers.

It also states that “default” design of gowns, to be worn in international competitions, must be representative of Filipino culture.

Olivarez said that the design should reflect the country’s expression of excellence and ingenuity.

“The measure also aims to facilitate greater coordination among fashion designers in the country with the help of the NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts) as well as to require local franchise holders and other institutions of beauty pageants to standardize the recruitment of fashion designers to be strictly Filipino,” he said.

If the bill becomes a law, franchise holders found guilty of violating any provision will be subjected to imprisonment of six months or a fine of P100,000 or both at the discretion of the court. Melizza Jane Tacang/KS