To bolster the handloom weaving industry in Albay, the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) has partnered with the Provincial Science and Technology Office - Albay to conduct a Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) for abaca-based weaving communities. The assessment took place at the Banquerohan Resettlement Site in Legazpi City, where residents have turned to weaving as a source of livelihood after being displaced by the hazards of Mayon Volcano in Daraga.

The TNA aimed to identify and prioritize technological solutions tailored to enhance both production efficiency and the quality of the weavers' output. By focusing on the needs and challenges of these communities, DOST-PTRI hopes to implement textile technology interventions that will empower the weavers, many of whom are now skilled artisans producing abaca-based fabrics in collaboration with Beth Mirafuentes Handicrafts Manufacturing.

Led by Ms. Elizabeth A. Mirafuentes of Beth Mirafuentes Handicrafts Manufacturing, the weavers combine S2 grade abaca fiber with polyester to create fabrics used primarily for formal attire, including modern Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana dresses. This integration of traditional and contemporary materials reflects the community’s ingenuity and adaptability in responding to market demands while maintaining cultural heritage.

This initiative aligns with DOST-PTRI’s Inclusive Innovation strategy, which seeks to support vulnerable sectors by providing targeted technological support and capacity-building programs. Through these efforts, DOST-PTRI and its partners are working to enhance the resilience and sustainability of the regional handloom weaving industry, promoting both economic stability and cultural preservation in Albay.