The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) visited Bobon, Northern Samar on July 10, 2024 to explore its potential as a Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (NTFIH) in Eastern Visayas. This initiative, requested by Senator Loren Legarda and supported by local fashion designer Puey Quiñones, aimed to assess the town's capacity for textile production. 

The DOST-PTRI Team led by Ms. Jenneli E. Caya was welcomed by local officials and community members, with the assistance from the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) – Northern Samar. They visited areas like E. Duran, Santanders, Trojillo, Poblacion, and Calantiao to examine the rich natural fibers, such as abaca and pineapple, available for natural textile production.

The Team met with local farmers, the Municipal Agricultural Office, and Barangay LGUs to discuss challenges and opportunities. They presented ideas on how to turn agricultural waste into valuable textile materials, boosting local livelihoods. 

The results of this assessment will help create a plan to develop Bobon's textile industry, including potential investments in equipment and training programs. As the DOST-PTRI Team left, there was a strong sense of optimism in Bobon, which is ready to become a key player in natural textile production in Eastern Visayas.