The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) initiate a collaboration with the executive officials of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), and Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) - Catanduanes to discuss the progress and future plans for the FRONTIER: Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (NTFIH) project last April 3-4, 2025.

DOST-PTRI gave important updates on the NTFIH project, which seeks to verify and validate textile raw material processing and Abaca technologies in Catanduanes and establish a connection with farmers, academe, and government. The principal roles of every partner institution written in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) were discussed and the requirements required for the project's progress were addressed.

The institute also made an on-site inspection of the facility offered by CatSU, which will be the central building of the NTFIH project. The proposed renovation and development of the site are key to developing a research center that will support the growth of the textile innovation ecosystem in the region.

DOST-PTRI also paid a visit on farmers in the municipalities of Baras and Bato, Catanduanes to witness firsthand the stripping of abaca fibers using the CARAEN Portable Abaca Fiber Stripping Machine, an easy-to-use equipment provided by the institute that allows farmers to produce high-quality abaca textile fiber with much less physical labor than in using conventional fiber stripping techniques.

This project focuses on the government's efforts in encouraging economic growth in rural communities, opening opportunities for innovation, and enabling different regions to move forward with textile technology. DOST-PTRI, CatSU, and PSTO-Catanduanes officials are optimistic about the success of the project in the future and are looking forward to collaborating to make the NTFIH project a success.