DOST gears up for spinning innovations for the 2024 Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month
Every January, the nation celebrates Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) Month through Proclamation No. 313 Series of 2012. This annual observance is a testament to the country's commitment to promoting natural textiles, advancing local industries, and creating livelihood opportunities.
At the heart of this celebration lies a wide spectrum of natural fibers sourced within the country. From pineapple leaves to abaca, banana, bamboo, and the Philippine Silk, these materials encapsulate the essence of the Philippines' rich biodiversity. What sets PTF apart is not just the sourcing of raw materials but also the commitment to processing and sustaining these fibers entirely within the country.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), under its attached agency, the Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), takes the helm each year, orchestrating activities engaging stakeholders from various sectors. These initiatives, in line with Republic Act 9242, encourage the incorporation of PTF into the uniforms of public officials and employees, demonstrating a concerted effort to drive local utilization.
Under the theme "Spinning Innovations," this year's celebration signifies a commitment to integrating small strides into impactful solutions, fostering collaborations, and encouraging conversations. Building upon the momentum of the previous year's theme, "Pushing Boundaries," "Spinning Innovations" emphasizes science, technology, and innovation to reshape the textile industry sustainably.
The strategy hinges on science, technology, and innovation, intervening across textile supply and value chains. Spinning Innovations rallies stakeholders, invoking urgency and patriotism for a revitalized textile industry led by science, technology, and innovation.
This approach not only invigorates local industries but also ensures sustainability, fostering economic growth while preserving the country's natural resources. By emphasizing collaboration and dialogue, this celebration aims to lay the groundwork for a future where innovation results in a resilient and globally competitive textile sector.
The 2024 PTF month features various activities such as program and facility launches, engaging dialogues, exhibitions, and textile conventions, offering a comprehensive look at advancements, innovation, and collaboration within the textile industry among stakeholders.
The Grand Launching of the Bamboo Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (BTFIH) in Abra is set for the 26th day of January 2024 at the Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technologies (ASIST) in Lagangilang, Abra. The BTFIH would cater to the engagement of local communities in fiber processing where the members will be allowed to partake and learn the fiber extraction in their respective areas and to grasp information about equipment operations in fiber processing. The deployment of fiber processing technology aims to benefit the communities by involving them in the most convenient conversion of raw materials into fibers for livelihood and continuous innovation in textile production. This program is in partnership with DOST–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD)-funded program entitled 'Bamboo Textile Fiber R&D and Commercialization Program,' or Bamboo Textiles PH and ASIST.
The DOST-PTRI marks the first laboratory-scale meltblown line facility. This is a core and central facility, creating research opportunities that drive advanced innovation and technology development towards sustainable meltblown nonwoven textiles. A ribbon-cutting ceremony, facility tour, memorandum of agreement signing, and innovation dialogue will be conducted during the Inauguration
The National Textile Convention, with a primary focus on textile science, is set to convene experts, researchers, and industry professionals. Scheduled to explore the intricate realms of textile science, the convention aims to facilitate in-depth discussions on research, technological breakthroughs, and sustainable practices within the realm of PTF. This will serve as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, driving the nation's textile industry towards advancements in both scientific understanding and practical applications.
On the same day, the Textile Stakeholders Recognition and Fellowship Night will feature a fashion show showcasing various designs for uniforms, office attire, school uniforms, tech wear, gala outfits, barongs, medical apparel, and personal protective equipment. Institutional awards will also be presented to partner stakeholders.
The National Textile Convention is by invitation only. Interested participants may register through this link: https://bit.ly/2024NTCRegistration.
DOST-PTRI New Programs for 2024
The DOST-PTRI’s Program entitled Fostering the Revitalization of Nascent Textile Innovation Ecosystems in the Region (FRONTIER), will commence in 2024. The Program aims to intensify regional textile innovation and to integrate and consolidate the Institute’s efforts in the region by strategically locating textile innovation hubs for textile fibers and yarns, and regional centers for natural dyes and handloom weaving innovation, in achieving the outcome of an inclusive and innovative Philippine textile ecosystem.
The DOST-PTRI’s new program entitled Creativity and Equity through Accelerated Textile Technology Engagement and Entrepreneurship Ventures for Vulnerable Sectors (CREATTEEVs), will commence in January 2024 in support of various DOST Programs such as Community Empowerment Thru Science And Technology (CEST), Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND), Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy (CRADLE), Women-Helping-Women: Innovative Social Enterprises (WHWise), Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), and Smart Communities. It aims to partner with women, youth, elderly individuals, Persons with Disabilities, Persons Deprived of Liberty, and Indigenous People to intensify local textile innovation.
As January unfolds, the nation stands poised to commemorate not just a month but a movement—a movement that champions tradition, innovation, and sustainability. Through "Spinning Innovations," the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to spin together the essence of progress and pioneering ideas, forging a path towards a more sustainable future in its textile industry.
To view the schedule of activities during the 2024 PTF Month, please visit https://bit.ly/PTFMonthPrimer2024.
For further information about DOST-PTRI's programs and services, follow DOST-PTRI's social media accounts or visit www.ptri.dost.gov.ph. (By Reina Rose B. Realino, DOST-PTRI)
