The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) in partnership with DOST XII - Department of Science and Technology - Region XII took a significant step in bolstering the textile industry in SOCCSKSARGEN with the convening of the Stakeholders Conference held in Koronadal City, South Cotabato on May 27, 2024. This is in preparation for the launch and operationalization of the Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub in Sultan Kudarat and the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC) in Cotabato - the first-ever facilities for yarn production in Mindanao. 

The day-long program commenced with the Stakeholders' Conference, where representatives from various sectors, including government agencies, academic institutions, local government units, and local communities, gathered to discuss the establishment, operation, and sustainability of the NTFIH Sultan Kudarat and RYPIC Cotabato. Discussions focused on infrastructure development, technology transfer, capacity building, strategic partnership, and market opportunities. 

In the afternoon, a Special Meeting of the Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Council (RRDIC) was convened, focusing on formulating strategies to utilize research and innovation in advancing the goals of the RYPIC. Attendees discussed strategies to optimize existing resources, build partnerships, and enhance stakeholder collaboration to foster sustainable growth in the regional textile industry. 

As part of the program, attendees also had the opportunity to visit the Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (NTFIH) at Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. The main goal of this innovation hub is to enhance the Natural Textile Fiber (NTF) supply chain to stimulate an integrated local textile ecosystem and to supply the NTF for the RYPIC Cotabato. 

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