Philippines' DOST-PTRI launches FRONTIER programme for textile sector

The initiative by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) will amplify regional textile innovation by setting up hubs for textile fibre and yarn alongside regional centres dedicated to natural dyes and weaving innovations, institute director Julius L Leano announced at the launch event of the initiative in Pasay City.

As part of the 2024 Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month celebration with the theme 'Spinning Innovations,' DOST-PTRI held the National Textile Convention (TELACon) from 30 to 31 January in the city.

The institute has targeted one regional clothing textile research innovation agenda per region this year, and one regional development council resolution to adopt this agenda by 2025, Leano said.

The targets include two large-scale textile companies to be engaged this year, one textile activity per province by 2025, one engagement with a state university or college per province by 2026 and one textile innovation centre per region by 2028, an official release said.

The FRONTIER programme will lead, enable and amplify the efforts of the DOST-PTRI in the region and develop further the innovation ecosystem on Philippine Tropical Fabrics, he noted.

DOST-PTRI will launch Natural Textile Fibre Innovation Hubs, one each in Catanduanes, Leyte and Negros Occidental this year, he said.

Bamboo Textile Innovation Hubs will also be launched this year in Lagangilang in Abra, Alaminos in Pangasinan and Maramag in Bukidnon.

Regional Handloom Weaving Innovation Centres will soon open in six more locations: Vintar in Ilocos Norte, Mangatarem in Pangasinan, Paracelis in Mountain Province, Signal village in Taguig City, Maragondon in Cavite, Pandan in Catanduanes, and San Remigio in Antique.

Natural Dyes Hubs will be constructed at a few places, he added.

DOST-PTRI also launched the Textile Academy at the TELACon, a consolidation of the numerous training and education materials and engagement for textile topics and technology transfer efforts of all stakeholders from the government, industry and academia.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)