2017 signifies a special milestone for the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) as it marks its half-a-century of initiatives of leading the textile research and development in the country. It also marks the institute’s stronger commitment and resolve to continue its mission of rejuvenating and revolutionizing the textile industry in the Philippines.
Dubbedas “Fabulous @ 50,TELA Pilipinas: Beyond Gold,” the PTRI will be holding a series of events and activities in 2017 to celebrate its 50 years of existence, involving its stakeholders, clients, and media partners – from the industry’s grassroots up to the big players.
To kick-off, a Stakeholders’ Conference will be held at the Summit Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center on January 27, 2017. The conference will be a gathering of the Institute’s collaborators from the industry and the academe, including technology adaptors from the regions and the countryside. Focusing on the synergy of science, arts and culture, the conference aims to be a venue to exchange experiences and ideas to help the revitalization of the textile industry, as well as explore opportunities for inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth for the stakeholders of the textile industry and its allied sectors.
Leading the roster of resource speakers is Dr. Carmen Hijosa, founder of Ananas Anam and creator of a breakthrough material, Pinatex. Other speakers include Ms. Lucia Catanes, General Manager for Research and Design of Narda’s Handwoven Arts and Crafts to share the legacy of Narda Capuyan and the prospects of handwoven natural fibers. Also included in the roster of speakers is Mr. Chris Torrance, the General Manager of Ambension Silk Enterprise, a social initiative of Filipinos based in the United States, to talk about the future of eco-fashion through inclusive sustainability. The program will also feature several testimonials from beneficiaries of various PTRI services, highlighting the impact of PTRI’s support to their businesses.
Aside from the plenary talks and testimonials, participants are also invited to experience a closer market encounter with PTRI’s partner-weaving communities representing the Regional Handloom Weaving Innovation Centers from eight (8) regions of the country (i.e., CAR, Regions I, III, IV-B, VI, VII, X and XII), showcasing the textile-related products of their respective regions. Local designers and entrepreneurs will also participate in a mini trade exhibit.
Through this event, the Institute is looking forward in establishing more collaborations with the academe, enterprises and organization to transfer and adopt proudly Filipino textile-related innovations as well as explore more opportunities to drive research and innovation in the textile industry.
For more information about the PTRI 2017 Stakeholders’ Conference, please contact PTRI’s Technology Transfer, Information and Promotions Staff at 837-1338.