The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is stepping up its efforts to boost the local fabrics industry with the launching of its Innovation Center for Yarns and Textiles (ICYT) in Bicutan, Taguig, costing around P54 million to produce yarns made of the country’s indigenous materials. It is a facility for producing natural fibers, research and development among other functions.

Dost Secretary Mario Montejo said that the facility is an effort at reviving the Philippine textile industry, thus encouraging highly-creative and world-class Filipino fashion designers to use local fabrics and textiles as material for clothing products.

Local and tropical products include pia, banana and abaca which are well-known fabrics used in apparel used during special occasions.

The launching of ICYT is part of DOST’s “Agham na Ramdam” Science Nation Media Tour, PTRI edition, showcasing the department’s technological innovations, state-of-the-art facilities geared towards the benefit of “every Juan” to help improve their lives through science-based economic activities.

Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) director Celia Elumba said that ICYT’s effort is committed in enabling production that meet the needs of customers and revitalizing the Philippines’ textile industry.

Elumba added PTRI has established partnerships with Power Fashion, the company behind local clothing brands like Unica Hija, Vise Versa, and Bayo, agreeing to use their locally-produced textile in their collections.

Traditional weaving communities continue to exist in many parts of the country. But we are aware of the fact that without support from the government and other stakeholders, traditional textile making could be an endangered craft,” said

Legarda, chairman of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities said that strengthening the tropical fabrics industry goes hand in hand with the advocacy to promote sustainable development and to preserve the rich Filipino heritage.

She called for developing distinct fabrics made by Filipinos and make them popular in the country and overseas.

DOST secretary Mario Go Montejo, Sen. Loren Legarda and PTRI Director Celia Elumba, along with guests and DOST and PTRI officials and personnel graced the ICYT’s launching.