Gov. Bulut Jr. elated over launching of PH first natural textile fiber innovation hub in Apayao

Apayao, Philippines – With the launching of the Philippines’ first Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub in Apayao, Governor Elias Bulut Jr. felt elated with the initiative’s fruition, catalyzing the locality’s integrated textile ecosystem.

Inaugurated on Friday, March 17 at Payanan Site, San Gregorio, Luna, the innovation hub will fuel the thriving textile supply chain of the province.

Established through Apayao State College and Philippine Textile Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology, in partnership with DOST – Cordillera and Luna and Apayao local government units, the state-of-the-art facility is equipped with machineries capable of processing 40-kilogram natural textile fibers extracted from pineapple leaves and banana pseudostems or trunk in a day.

With the hub, farmers could generate more income from their agricultural byproducts that are left to rot in their farms. In addition, the banana and pineapple fiber extraction helps local weavers and designers with their revenue streams.

“With our 640 hectares of banana plantation and 50 hectares of pineapple plantation, this is one huge step in contributing to the reduction of the usage of synthetic materials in the production of cloth and textiles. Instead, we will be using fabrics and materials from natural sources - less destructive to the environment and more sustainable,” Bulut in a statement underscored.

Meanwhile, Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang, the Representative of the Lone District of Apayao in her keynote message described the activity as “very ambitious” but expressed confidence that it will succeed with the collective effort and support of all stakeholders involved.

Textiles as part of cultural heritage

Director of DOST – Cordillera, Dr. Nancy Bantog emphasized that weaving and traditional textiles are part of our region's rich cultural heritage. Each pattern, she said, embodies the stories and the great synergy of a weaver's mind, heart, and soul in the form of art that speaks of their passion for their craft and respect for Cordillera's Heritage.



“Safeguard the innovation hub”

On his part, the Officer-in-charge of DOST – PTRI, Dr. Juluis Leaño Jr., called for the stakeholders to concur and safeguard the first-ever innovation hub in the country.

Luna Weavers Association, through President Corazon Ammasi, vowed their continuous support for the initiative.

“Ikari mi ngarud ti agtul-tuloy nga kooperasyon ken suporta para iti pannaka-isayangkat ken panagpa-imbag daytoy nga kultura. Ket sapay kuma ta maisuro met daytoy nga kultura kadagiti sumar saruno nga henerasyon ti Apayao,” she stated.

Last year, Bantog disclosed the regional science and technology department funded some 32 projects under the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program and community-based projects and three projects of state university and colleges in natural dye, sericulture, and weaving sectors in the region.

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