January declared as "Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month"

By Susan G. De Leon

Thursday 26th of January 2012

QUEZON CITY, Jan. 26 (PIA) -- To promote the use of indigenous fibers in the country such as piña, banana, abaca, and Philippine silk, President Benigno Aquino III recently signed Proclamation No. 313 declaring January of every year as “Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) Month.

President Aquino designated the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), which leads the research and development of technologies on the country’s tropical textiles, to spearhead the tropical fiber month celebration.

In a news release, DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said the research and development work done on the indigenous tropical fibers reveal its broad variety of uses, from traditional formal wear to fashion accessories.

“With Proclamation No. 313, DOST-PTRI and its partners will take on more aggressive strategies to speed up the commercialization of our tropical fiber technologies,” added Montejo.

PTRI’s partners in developing the local fabric industry include the Department of Agriculture – Fiber Industry Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Civil Service Commission, University of the Philippines-College of Home Economics, Textile Mills Association of the Philippines, Uniform Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, and the farmers group represented by the Labo Progressive Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

The DOST-PTRI has also prepared the Philippine Tropical Fabric Roadmap involving key players in the industry to guide all initiatives in promoting tropical fabrics and other handwoven textiles.

“Through this roadmap, we can unify our efforts in advancing local tropical fabrics and ethnic textiles, thereby increasing competitiveness and opportunities of the local fiber, textile and garment industry,” Montejo said.

DOST-PTRI also promises a sustained promotion of local tropical fibers and neo-ethnic fabrics through proactive advocacy campaigns. (DOST/RJB/SDL/PIA-NCR)