NEW DOST FACILITY TO HELP MAKE TROPICAL FABRICS MORE MAINSTREAM
CLOTHING made from tropical fabrics such as piña and banana are usually used only during weddings, baptisms, burials, and other special occasions. The Philippine Textile Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PTRI), however, is keen on making tropical fabrics more mainstream.
The establishment of PTRI’s R54 million Innovation Center for Yarns and Textiles (ICYT) that will produce yarns customized to customer and industry needs is a step closer to this goal, which is part of the bigger objective of revitalizing the textile industry in the country.
“We aim to make indigenous yarns accessible to our handloom weaving communities as well as to commercial millers or knitters,” disclosed PTRI Director Celia Elumba during the launch of the Innovation Center last May 25 at the PTRI Compound, DOST Complex, Bicutan, Taguig City.
Director Elumba also revealed that PTRI has partnered with Power Fashion—the company behind the local clothing brands Unica Hija, Vise Versa, and Bayo—which has agreed to use locally produced tropical fabrics in one of their capsule collections.
The ICYT is just the first of PTRI’s initiatives geared towards reviving the textile industry. Senator Loren Legarda, who graced the launch, expressed support for these initiatives.
Meanwhile, DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo noted that the DOST’s efforts in reviving the industry is part of its contribution to the government’s vision of inclusive growth, as this is seen to bring economic activity to the countryside.
Promoting the use of tropical fabrics, said Sen. Legarda, will not only preserve our culture and heritage but will also help support the agricultural sector. Sen. Legarda is the author of the Tropical Fabrics Law, which aims to promote Philippine tropical fabrics through the use of such materials for the official uniforms of government officials and employees.
PTRI will also establish regional handloom innovation centers and work on upscaling the natural dye production in the country to complement the Innovation Center. Despite the decline of the textile industry in recent years, Sec. Montejo remains optimistic, especially in light of PTRI’s research and development initiatives such as developing less costly ways to process agricultural waste into fabrics, and producing bamboo fabrics and smart textiles.