DOST-PTRI Leads Technical Committee of Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) Law

The DOST-PTRI chairs the Technical Committee (TC) per the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of R.A. 9242. The Technical Committee (Rule VI-Sec. 2) shall oversee the effective implementation of the law and formulate a roadmap to serve as the master plan for its overall implementation. The TC is also tasked to identify the strategies to ensure systematic, coordinated, and effective implementation and attainment of the objectives of the law. This will include the Evaluation of programs to assess implementation and recommend interventions to improve the existing mechanisms, processes, and activities. Further, the TC will also resolve issues brought before the Technical Committee for its decision on matters covering concerns on implementation. 

Photo 1. (L-R) DA-PhilFIDA Assistant Secretary Atty. Genevieve E. Velicaria-Guevarra, DTI Competitiveness Bureau Director Lilian G. Salonga, CSC Commissioner Atty. Aileen Lourdes A. Lizada, CSC Chairperson Atty. Karlo Alexei B. Nograles, CSC Commissioner Atty. Ryan Alvin R. Acosta, DOST Assistant Secretary Diana L. Ignacio, DOST-PTRI Director Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr., and CSC Assistant Commissioner Ariel G. Ronquillo during the launch of the PTF Law IRR on Aug. 30, 2023

The DOST-PTRI as Head of the Technical Committee will provide the central leadership in steering the implementation of the law. This is on top of its regular function of being the only laboratory mandated to conduct fabric testing thus ensuring that all aspects of fabric compliance as prescribed under the law are complied with. This will include the issuance of the appropriate test report, the evaluation of test results, and submission towards the granting of certification of R.A. No. 9242 compliance. The DOST-PTRI shall also evaluate requests for exemption from the use of PTF uniforms and issue the appropriate notice of exemption, and in keeping with its core mandate, shall continue to develop new technologies and improvement of products and processes through research (Rule VI-Sec. 2)

Photos 2 and 3. Sample tests for PTF

The TC is composed of the Department of Agriculture- Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Civil Service Commission as its Secretariat.

The revised IRR is deemed adopted on September 01, 2023, after its required 15-day posting period.