Naguilian, La Union (PIA) --The first ever bamboo textile fiber production innovation hub in the country was launched by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute in this town on Jan.13.
The establishment of the bamboo textile fiber production hub was under the project dubbed, “Field Verification of the Bamboo Textile Material Production and Treatment Technology” funded by the DOST – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development.
According to Julius L. Leaño Jr, Officer-In-Charge of the DOST PTRI, the innovation hub will use the machine developed by their team that will produce authentic eco-friendly bamboo textile fiber.
“We have a unique product composition in the Philippines at hindi katulad ng konsepto ng mga bamboo products na nakikita ngayon sa market which is technically are very environment-compromising materials,” Leaño said.
Textiles made of bamboo fibers are green and biodegradable, as well as soft in texture, while the process and by-products of production are non-toxic and environmentally safe.
The facility can produce around 40 kilograms of fiber per hour.
Production will immediately start after its launching wherein the bamboo species called “tineg” which is abundant and continues to grow in the municipality, will be used.
Officials of the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Health, Education, Environment, and Discipleship Foundation, and the Timpuyog Dagiti Mannalon Ti Casilagan Inc. led the ribbon-cutting ceremony which launches the country's first ever bamboo textile fiber production innovation hub located at Brgy. Casilagan in Naguilian, La Union.
Leaño noted that the first market of the product will be the DOST itself as they will be using the bamboo fibers for their validation process.
The hub will be operationalized by the Timpuyog Dagiti Mannalon Ti Casilagan Inc., a community-based organization in the municipality that was founded with the help of the Health, Education, Environment, and Discipleship (HEED) Foundation whose objective is to protect the environment, specifically the watershed in their town.
Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David thanked the DOST, along with its partners, for bringing the project in the province and affirmed that the provincial government will assist in any possible way.
Also, the Department of Trade and Industry signified its commitment to work hand-in-hand with the organization, local governments units, and other regional line agencies to help the bamboo industry.
On the other hand, Lope Bautista, the organization’s president, said their team will likewise do their best to make the project flourish and not be wasted.
Meanwhile, similar innovation hub will be established in Pangasinan, Bukidnon, and Abra. (JCR/AMB/CGC, PIA Region 1)
