The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) opened its KatHABI Textile Innovation Exhibition at the Veranza Activity Center, General Santos City, South Cotabato on October 2, 2024, as part of the 2024 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in SOCCSKSARGEN. This exhibition showcases the Institute's innovative contributions to the local textile industry in the Region. 

One of the key features of the exhibition was the fiber transformation display, allowing visitors to see the raw fibers to open fibers. This process is linked to the Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (NTFIH), a facility established by DOST-PTRI in Sultan Kudarat that focuses on fiber processing innovations. 

Second-year students, currently enrolled in the Physical and Chemical Testing course, gained valuable insights from their visit to DOST-PTRI's testing laboratories. These labs are dedicated to research and quality assessment of textile materials, providing essential knowledge on the rigorous testing processes that ensure product quality. This exposure is expected to deepen their understanding of theoretical concepts and their practical applications. 

The exhibit also highlighted blended yarns made from pineapple and banana fibers, in connection to the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC) in Sultan Kudarat. These yarns demonstrate the potential of natural fibers for modern textile applications, promoting sustainable and locally sourced materials. 

In addition, products made from bamboo, such as bags, pouches, and accessories, were displayed as part of the soon-to-be-launched Bamboo Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (BTFIH) in Bukidnon. This hub will focus on developing bamboo fibers into durable and eco-friendly textiles. 

The exhibit paid tribute to the region’s rich handloom weaving traditions, featuring iconic T'nalak weaves from Kenhulung Handicrafts Federation Inc. in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, and Tabih Lugob from the Kalyak Blaan Care Group in Polomolok, South Cotabato. 

DOST-PTRI also showcased its Natural Dyes and Colorants program, featuring colorful yarns dyed with locally sourced, eco-friendly natural dyes. Another highlight was the Lakat shoes, made from pineapple non-woven fiber. Developed through the Institute's Research and Development on Textile-based Omnibus Solutions for the Philippine Shoe Industry (SAFATOS) program, these shoes are designed with antimicrobial and water-repellent technology.