CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Isabela State University (ISU) have collaborated to boost the bamboo fiber and yarn industry following the estbalishment of the Regional Yarn Processing Innovation Center and the Bamboo Textile Fiber Innovation Hub in the province.

The facilities, which were established at ISU Cauayan and Ilagan campuses through the Philippine Textile Research Institute, are now producing fiber and yarn from bamboo for a textile production.

DTI Isabela Provincial Bamboo Focal Person Emma Jane Domingo said that the collaboration of DTI, DOST and ISU will surely fortify the bamboo industry in Isabela as the facilities are already in place.

Domingo said that under the Provincial Bamboo Industry Development Plan, which the DTI has pushed together with the provincial government, the bamboo industry mapping and inventory, capability building on bamboo propagation, nursery establishment and management, and access to technology and innovation were already conducted as components of the project.

ISU Cauayan and Ilagan Executive Officers Dr. Precilla Delima and Dr. Alfonso Simon, however, raised concerns on the competitive price of the fiber and yarn products produced in the facilities, the lack of raw materials, and the rough output produced from their existing decorticating machine.

DTI then pledged assistance in the pricing and costing of the produced fiber and yarns, as well as establishing raw material linkages, and potentially outsourcing decorticating machines from partner agencies to improve the output quality of the facility.

DOST Provincial Director Lucio Calimag has recognized the agency’s efforts and assured to help in the sustainability and the continuous production and operation of the established facilities. 

He also expressed the commitment of DOST to support the bamboo growers and MSMEs through technology transfer, market matching, and equipment support.

Domingo is optimistic that the collaboration between DOST Isabela, ISU, and DTI is a significant step forward in promoting local industries, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth not only in Isabela but also in the whole Cagayan Valley region. 

“Through these partnerships, the bamboo fiber and yarn sectors are poised for sustainable development, creating opportunities for local communities and contributing to the region's socio-economic advancement,” Domingo said. (OTB/MGE/PIA Isabela)