QUEZON CITY, (PIA)--The nation celebrates Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) through every month of January by virtue of Proclamation No. 313 Series of 2012.
The observance of PTF Month aims to promote textile production using natural textile fibers, technologies, and industries in the Philippines towards the revitalization of the local textile industry, inclusive growth through the generation of livelihood for Filipinos and to provide materials that nurture and promote a truly Filipino textile brand.
The PTF contains natural textile fibers from pineapple leaf, abaca, banana, and Philippine silk, which are produced, spun, woven, or knitted, and finished in the Philippines.
The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) leads the nation in the celebration of the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month annually with activities to engage textile-garment and allied industries, including the private sector, associations, and institutions, and the academe in using PTF.
Public officials' and employees' involvement is also enjoined as PTF is prescribed for their uniforms per Republic Act 9242 wherein fabrics to be used must contain at least 5% by weight of either abaca leaf sheath, banana pseudostem, and pineapple leaf, or 15% by weight of silk.
With the theme "Pushing Boundaries for Sustainable, Competitive, and Inclusive Philippine Textile-Garment Industry," the activities and programs this January 2023 celebrate milestones, launches regional hubs, and raise awareness of using and developing Philippine textiles, local natural resources, and mainstream developed textile solutions and technologies.
Sustainability and innovation drive the textile and garment industries forward and offer the industry the impetus and platform to rebuild a solid and circular textile-garment economy.
Set of activities started on 3 January 2023, while the rest of the activities are planned out as follows:
