The Department of Science and Technology —Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) continued its participation in DOST-MIMAROPA’s SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping and Immersion, held on October 29, 2024, in West Coast, Palawan. In collaboration with members of the Local Grassroots Innovation Technical Evaluation Committee (GITEC), the event gathered stakeholders representing the five sectors of the pentahelix collaboration model: academe, civil society organizations (CSOs), industry, media, and both local and national government. 

Participants immersed themselves in the Tagbanua community in Sitio Tina, Brgy. Culandanum, Aborlan, Palawan, led by the Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Kabuhayan sa Tina (SNKT). 

This initiative is part of the Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) Program of DOST, which seeks to identify existing Grassroots Innovations (GIs) within marginalized communities, particularly Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities. The program activities included an orientation on GRIND’s objectives, along with demonstrations, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. 

The DOST-PTRI Team also visited the facilities of Binuatan Creations in Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, to conduct a technology needs assessment and evaluate the impact of previous training. 

These activities continue to strengthen DOST-PTRI’s regional textile engagement in the MIMAROPA region through its Creativity and Equity through Accelerated Textile Technology Engagement and Entrepreneurship for Vulnerable Sectors (CREATTEEVS) Project.

SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping and Immersion activities are also scheduled to take place in Marinduque and Romblon.