Sixty-nine senior Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) students from Mindanao State University – General Santos (MSU-GSC) visited the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) on September 27, 2024, for a facility tour that exposed them to the latest advancements in the textile industry. 

The facility tour highlighted several key areas of innovation. The students visited the DOST-PTRI Innovations Center for Yarns and Textiles (ICYT), where they observed the Institute’s yarn-spinning facility. This provided a close look at the advanced processes involved in transforming natural fibers into high-quality yarns for various textile applications.nbsp;

Another part of the tour was the TELA Gallery, which showcases a variety of textiles made from Natural Textile Fiber (NTF). These creations exemplify the potential of locally sourced and sustainable materials in the Philippine textile industry. The students gained a deeper understanding of how these fibers, including abaca, pineapple, and bamboo, are transformed into innovative textile products. 

Additionally, the students explored the Institute’s specialized testing laboratories. These laboratories play a critical role in research and quality assessments, ensuring that textile materials meet international standards. 

This engagement serves as a fundamental component of the Institute’s Textile Academy, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and fostering collaboration in education, skill enhancement, and capacity building.