Twenty-nine Industrial Engineering and Business Administration students from La Consolacion College Tanauan (LCCT) experienced firsthand the cutting-edge advancements shaping the Philippine textile industry through a facility tour at the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) today, November 7, 2024. The visit, as part of the Institute's Textile Academy, offered students an opportunity to witness strides in sustainable and innovative textile production, providing insight into an industry deeply rooted in science, technology, and innovation.

Part of the tour included the Institute's Innovations Center for Yarns and Textiles (ICYT), where students observed advanced yarn-spinning operations that convert natural fibers into high-quality yarns, a critical component in producing diverse textile products. Students gained insight into the intricacies of fiber processing and learned how various textile applications, from clothing to industrial materials, are evolving through advanced machinery and sustainable practices.

Another highlight of the tour was the TELA Gallery, an exhibition space showcasing textiles made from the Philippines' Natural Textile Fibers (NTFs). Here, students encountered nonwoven panels specifically engineered for thermal and acoustic insulation, along with geotextiles designed to combat soil erosion. These innovations demonstrate the Institute’s commitment to eco-friendly solutions, with applications that extend beyond traditional textile uses, including the construction industry.

The students also had the chance to see silk yarns, naturally dyed yarns, and abaca fabrics, as well as a variety of textile-based products such as handwoven fabrics, wearable items, table linens, and accessories made from bamboo textiles. Unique footwear made from pineapple fibers, treated with water-repellent and anti-microbial finishes, underscored the breadth of sustainable material applications that are now possible, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern science.

The visit to DOST-PTRI not only deepened the students' understanding of sustainable and innovative textile production but also provided insights into the broader applications of science and technology in addressing economic and environmental challenges.