NORTHERN LUZON TO PRODUCE NATURAL YARNS AS DOST-PTRI LAUNCHES THE FIRST REGIONAL YARN PRODUCTION AND INNOVATION CENTER (RYPIC) IN ISABELA
By: Reina Rose B. Realino
Technology Transfer, Information and Promotions Staff
The Department of Science and Technology Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), Isabela State University - Ilagan Campus (ISU), DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST PCIEERD), DOST Region II, City of Ilagan, and Province of Isabela launched the first Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC) in Luzon at the ISU Ilagan Campus in Ilagan, Isabela on June 23, 2023.
Photo 1. Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center Isabela
Photo 2. (L to R) DOST-PTRI OIC Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr., DOST Region II Director Virginia Bilguera, DOT Region II Director Troy Alexander G. Miano, DOST-PTRI Former Director Celia B. Elumba, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs Dr. Diana L. Ignacio, ISU Ilagan Campus President Dr. Ricmar Aquino, ISU Ilagan Campus Executive Officer Alfonso Simon
The RYPIC Isabela is a micro-scale yarn-spinning facility that will aid in developing the textile industry in Northern Luzon. The facility can produce 50kgs of yarns per day (8h), translating to 270m of handloom woven (1m width). One RYPIC can manufacture 13,200 kg of yarns annually, making 36,000 m of 60-inch width fabrics for 24,000 pieces of a female blouse or 18,000 office Barong.
Photo 3. Complete line of spinning machines inside RYPIC Isabela
The RYPIC was established under the DOST-GIA "DOST Inclusive Innovation Textiles Empowering Lives Anew or i2TELA Program." The establishment of the first RYPIC in ISAT-U Campus in Miagao, Iloilo in Western Visayas in 2019 paved the regional perspective to textile production true to the concept of the i2TELA Program, with the enabling technology of conversion of natural textile fibers available in Region VI into spinnable fibers and spun yarns aimed to provide material requirements of handloom weaving communities.
The Philippines boast of its abundance of abaca, pineapple, banana, and bamboo, which are textile fiber sources. Abaca and pineapple leaf fibers in the country are the most readily available for succeeding conversion into textiles. In Cagayan Valley/Region II, bamboo, banana, and pineapple are available for textile production. Similarly, nearby regions such as CAR and Region I are viable sources of natural textile fibers.
The RYPIC Isabela will focus on the spun yarn production of cotton-bamboo and other Natural Textile Fiber (NTF) blended yarns. Unlike the RYPIC Iloilo, which has integrated fiber treatment and yarn spinning facilities, the treatment of bamboo textile fiber and other NTFs will be handled by the Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (NTFIH) Apayao and Bamboo Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (BTFIH) Isabela, which for the purpose will supply the fiber requirements of RYPIC Isabela. These textile fiber innovation hubs are strategically located as they are closer to the raw material source for ease of transport. The model aims to expand the circle of stakeholders to the textile supply chain, promote geographic specialization, and decentralize production.
The DOST-PTRI purchased a complete line of spinning machines producing 50 kg of spun yarns per day. The project also allowed the development and enhancement of the capability of project staff and partner institutions.
DOST officials and partners touring inside the Center during the launch of RYPIC Isabela
During the RYPIC Isabela launch, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. said, “I encourage everyone here to support RYPIC and its products. Let us continue to work together to push for a more sustainable economy. We hope our work will inspire us to build more yarn innovation centers in other locations across our country, and this will only be possible if we have the strong support of our fellow Filipinos. It will begin with everyone joining us today.”
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. delivering his keynote message during the RYPIC Isabela launch
Senate President Pro Tempore Hon. Sen Loren B. Legarda, the author of the Republic Act 9242 or the Philippine Tropical Fabrics law, expressed her support during the RYPIC Isabela launch. She mentioned, “This Yarn Production and Innovation Center’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness makes it a significant step forward for the textile industry and a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. It can help to reduce waste and encourage the development of circular economies, which I faithfully advocate. It promises to be a game changer in the industry, providing a platform for local and global partners to collaborate and innovate.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Hon. Loren Legarda delivering her special message during the RYPIC Isabela launch
DOST-PTRI Officer-in-Charge Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr. expressed gratitude to all the partners who made the RYPIC Isabela possible. Dr. Leaño, in his closing remarks, mentioned, “What we have in Ilagan, Isabela is maybe one of the best, if not the best permutation of the yarn production system yet so far, but you know what they say, as also with our natural resources, it’s not a matter of what you have, it’s what you do with what you have.”
DOST-PTRI OIC Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr. delivering his closing remarks during the RYPIC Isabela launch
The RYPIC Isabela is the second of RYPIC established all in the country. The RYPIC Mindanao, in partnership with the University of Southern Mindanao and Sultan Kudarat State University, will be launched soon.
The RYPIC serves as a catalyst for regional textile development in allowing the MSMEs to be engaged in manufacturing fabrics, garments, and other textile products with locally-spun natural blended yarns. Watch out for more RYPICs.
DOST-PTRI team and partners during the program of the RYPIC Isabela launch
For more information about DOST-PTRI's programs and services, visit and follow DOST-PTRI's social media accounts or check out www.ptri.dost.gov.ph.
