The Regional Science and Technology (S&T) Cluster Fair continued northward as the Northern Luzon S&T Fair was held in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on September 1-3. Jointly organized by the DOST offices of Regions I, II, and Cordillera Administration Region (CAR), the fair and exhibits were held in the Vigan Convention Center. This year’s fair consisted of the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE); techno-based bazaar; techno fora; S&T quizzes and trivias; film showings and science magic shows, among others. Some of the events were covered and aired by ABS-CBN through its local TV channel partner.

PTRI exhibited samples of Philippine tropical fiber and yarns made from abaca, banana, pineapple, and maguey; fibers from these plant sources in their raw and degummed forms, and polyester-blended yarns wound in cones as well as dioramas of the actual natural dyeing process technology. A Philippine Tropical Fabric Wall of different weave patterns mounted on a wooden frame was also put up together with posters of the Institute’s flagship programs: Establishment of the Innovation Center for Yarns and Textiles or ICYT; Establishment of Regional Handloom Weaving Innovation Centers; Upscaling and Expanding the Production and Application of Philippine Natural Dyes; and Modernization of Geosynthetic Testing Services. PTRI flyers on training courses, natural dye technologies, and the countermarch loom were distributed to the booth visitors. Outcome 3, where PTRI’s booth was located, registered total exhibit viewers of 2,122 during the three-day event.