LAGANGILANG, Abra (PIA) -- A bamboo textile fiber innovation hub will soon be established in the province particularly at the Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST) Main Campus here.
The Bamboo Textile Ph of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) and ASIST signed a memorandum of agreement in March marking the beginning of their partnership towards the establishment of the first Bamboo Textile Fiber Innovation Hub in the Cordillera region .
Signatories to the MOA are DOST-PTRI Officer-in-Charge Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr., ASIST President Dr. Gregorio T. Turqueza Jr., and DOST-Cordillera represented by Engr. Ralf Sapi-il.
Under the MOA, the DOST-PTRI will provide bamboo fiber extraction machines as well as trainings and technical assistance to bamboo producing groups and ASIST personnel. This will give bamboo producing towns the capability and gain to transform their raw bamboos into bamboo textile fibers for a greater value.
During the presentation of the project, the DOST-PTRI discussed the relevant increase in value of bamboo fibers in Abra after being processed into finished bamboo fabrics. A single bamboo pole costs around P100-P200 only depending on the length while a 5-meter length finished bamboo fabric can cost around P2,000 to P3,000.
In his message, Turqueza underscored the numerous possibilities of partnership among agencies in achieving their goal.
“Collaboration among agencies has always proven to be crucial in advancing their goals. This will contribute to the pursuit of technological innovation and advancements which will enable us to meet our needs in textile production,” he stressed.
Leaño, meanwhile, expressed his thanks to ASIST in supporting this project.
“This will be the very first innovation hub in the Cordillera Region and we want government to take that accountability in making sure that we deliver this technology So we are truly thankful for your support in this project,” Leaño said.
There are only few bamboo textile innovation hubs in the country. These are located in Isabela, Pangasinan, La Union, Rizal Province, Cavite, Quezon Province, Antique, Agusan Province and Bukidnon. (JDP/CAGT - PIA CAR, Abra)
