In a move to bridge education and industry, eight students enrolled in HE 211 (Teaching Techniques in Garments Technology) from Mariano Marcos State University's Graduate School visited the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) on October 18, 2024. The facility tour offered the students a unique, firsthand look at the latest advancements in the country’s textile industry, highlighting sustainable innovations and state-of-the-art processes. 

The tour began at the TELA Gallery, where students were introduced to the TEXREV Project, a forward-thinking initiative that repurposes post-industrial textile waste into spun yarns. By diverting waste from landfills and giving it new life, TEXREV aims to offer sustainable alternatives to traditional textile production methods. This aligns with the growing global movement toward circular economies and resource-efficient manufacturing. 

Another notable feature of the tour was the CoBUILDTex Program, which demonstrated the innovative use of indigenous fibers such as bamboo and banana in creating nonwoven textile panels for construction. These materials are not only eco-friendly but also contribute to building resilient infrastructure, reflecting the potential of local, natural resources in diverse applications beyond the garment industry.nbsp;

One of the key highlights of the tour was the tour at the DOST-PTRI Innovations Center for Yarns and Textiles (ICYT), where the students were introduced to the yarn-spinning facility. This cutting-edge hub showcases the transformation of natural fibers into high-quality yarns, demonstrating how the latest machinery and techniques are contributing to the evolution of the local textile industry. 

The tour also brought the students inside DOST-PTRI’s specialized testing laboratories, critical in ensuring that Philippine textiles meet global standards. The facility’s laboratories are at the forefront of textile research, providing rigorous assessments of material quality, durability, and safety. 

This engagement forms part of DOST-PTRI’s broader commitment to fostering collaboration and capacity-building through its Textile Academy. The program serves as a platform for knowledge sharing between the institute, the education sector, and future leaders in the field of textile technology. Through initiatives like this, the Institute continues to support skill enhancement and innovation, ensuring that the next generation is well-equipped to advance the country’s garment and textile industries.