As part of National Arts Month, the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), in partnership with the Office of the Senate President Pro Tempore Hon. Loren Legarda, organized an exhibit entitled "KatHABI: Textile Innovation Exhibition" from February 5th to 8th, 2024, at the 2nd Floor Hallway, Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City. The opening was graced by Sen. Loren Legarda, Sen. Nancy Binay, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., Senate Secretary Atty. Renato N. Bantug Jr., DOST-PTRI Director Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr., and Filipino-American Fashion Designer Anthony Cruz Legarda. 

The exhibit showcased Philippine textile innovations featuring Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) Uniform developed in collaboration with selected Government Institutions, as well as technological developments in Bamboo-based Textiles, and Natural Dyes.

In a privilege speech delivered during the plenary session, Sen. Legarda expressed her appreciation for arts and culture, which can foster a deeper understanding and connection to the Filipino identity, as well as an appreciation for the country's natural resources. She also encouraged Filipinos to support eco-friendly and sustainable products, aiming to lessen reliance on materials that strain our resources.

DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. expressed his gratitude to Sen. Legarda for co-organizing the exhibit, which allowed DOST to share with the legislators the evolving narrative of Philippine textiles anchored on solid homegrown science, technology, and innovation framework.

KatHABI is a portmanteau of the Filipino words "Katha" (n.), which literally means invention or composition, and "Habi" (v), which means weave. It celebrates the masterful creation of textiles through the skillful composition of innovative materials, sustainable processes, technologies, and techniques, within a rich and creative cultural context that defines its enduring and inclusive textile story.