Cauayan City, Isabela—The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 02 in partnership with Isabela State University (ISU) formally opened the first Bamboo Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (BTFIH) in Northern Luzon. The BTFIH will be at the forefront of R&D and innovation on bamboo for textile wearables and beyond. 2023.
Engr. DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations said, “Our innovation center here in Cauayan will take the lead in creating inventive ways to incorporate bamboo textile fibers into a variety of products, from clothing to industrial textiles and beyond.
“We believe the potential are limitless and we are committed to looking into every avenue to create a sustainable future for the textile industry,” USec Mabborang emphasized.
The facilities that will transform bamboo fibers into spinnable form are known as the Bamboo Textile Fiber Innovation Hubs (BTFIH). Given the extensive bamboo plantation in the province, it will also operate as a doorway into sustainable bamboo textile production and manufacturing, he stressed.
DOST R02 Regional Director Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera cited the Innovation Hub’s development in the Cagayan Valley has the support of the regional office noting DOST’s efforts to close the gap between the general public and business.
As we want to see our visions come to pass and achieve progress for our people, Dr. Bilgera said, “Our goal is to leverage science, technology and innovation to boost regional development on all fronts.”
Meanwhile, Cauayan City Mayor Caesar “Jaycee” Dy III thanked DOST for its multiple initiatives and programs that have helped the city become the First Smarter City.
Vice Mayor of Cauayan City Bong Dalin and his council are in attendance, as well as Dr. Ricmar Aquino, President of Isabela State University, Drs. Enrico Paringit and Julius Leano, Ms. Jenneli Caya, Director of the DOST-Philippines Textile Institute, Dr. Precila C. De Lima, ISU personnel and distinguished guests from local, national, and non-governmental organizations.
The implementing regulations for R.A. take bamboo textiles into account. 9242, also known as the Philippine Tropical Textiles Law, adds the use of materials made from banana culm, silk, pineapple leaf, and abaca for uniforms and other uses.
This initiative is part of the government’s effort to promote industrialization based on agricultural development and agrarian reform through industries that are both competitive in local and international markets and make full and efficient use of both human and natural resources.
This would also help the Philippines contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG12 on sustainable consumption and production USec Mabborang added.
The BTFIH will be held in the province of Isabela, which has a total of 1,118 hectares of bamboo plantation. The Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) has also mandated that each municipality establish bamboo nurseries and plantations of approximately 50 hectares in size in order to ensure the prompt supply and accessibility of raw materials for the BTFI.
