In January of 2012, Pres. Aquino signed Proclamation No. 313 declaring January of every year as the Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) Month to promote public awareness and push for the use of indigenous textile in the country. In observance of the PTF Month, the Philippine Textile Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (PTRI-DOST) gears up on its research and development endeavors and promotional activities to further the commercialization of these uniquely Filipino fabrics made from the prized piña, abaca, banana, and the Philippine silk. 

Pursuant with the Republic Act 9242 or the PTF Law of 2004 and in time with the celebration of PTF Month, the PTRI started releasing the second set of PTF for the uniforms of 3,900 employees of the entire DOST system. PTRI, in partnership with Asia Textile Mills, produced approximately 7,500 yards of fabrics with 6% piña fibers this batch of uniforms. The DOST officials and employees started wearing the first batch of the enhanced polyester/piña uniforms during the third quarter of last year. Ms. Marites De Leon, a Senior Science Research Specialist of the Institute’s Research and Development Division (RDD), assures that these fabrics are a much improved version of the PTF that was provided to DOST employees in 2005. “These new fabrics are enzyme-treated rendering them soft and more comfortable to wear,” said Ms. De Leon. Other government offices have expressed their interest in the PTF uniforms during the conduct of the Employees Uniform Quality Assurance Program (EUQAP) Seminar last December.

“We are heightening our partnership with various key players in order to sustain the demand for PTF uniforms, as more and more government agencies and private companies express their interest in PTF uniforms but are restrained with the lack of supply of the tropical fabrics,” explains PTRI Director Carlos C. Tomboc. Currently, PTRI has issued RA 9242 compliance certification to two companies, namely the Asia Textile Mills, Inc. and the Exclusively His after meeting the fiber composition and minimum performance requirements for office uniform.

PTRI is also poised to launch its showroom in February which will highlight its research and technological breakthroughs including the PTF and natural dyeing. The updated PTRI showroom will feature not only apparels but also other gifts, décor, and housewares made from indigenous materials. “Our showroom is open to the public and we encourage everyone – students, entrepreneurs, LGUs, hobbyists and fashion enthusiasts to visit,” said Engr. Rita Delfin, Head of the Technology Transfer, Information, and Promotion Staff (TIPS).