The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) recently spearheaded a four-day yarn deployment and validation activity across seven weaving communities in Ifugao and Mountain Province. Held from November 18 to 21, 2024, the initiative aimed to introduce PTRI-developed cotton yarns to local artisans for field trials, performance evaluation, and feedback gathering. The insights will guide the yarn's refinement and commercialization to better meet the technological demands of weavers.

The initial recipients of the yarn deployment included Ifugao Ikat Weaving Communities and Mountain Province Handloom Weaving Communities. These groups had actively participated in the 3rd Philippine Handloom Weaving Conference (PHWC) - Cordillera Regional Weavers’ Forum, making them key stakeholders for this phase of the project.

Ahead of the distribution, the DOST-PTRI Team visited the Provincial Science and Technology Offices (PSTOs) in Ifugao and Mountain Province to discuss the objectives and relevance of the activity with local officials. Following the deployment, the team also met with Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, Regional Director of DOST-CAR, and Dr. Pepita S. Picpican, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Division, to present the activity's outcomes.

The Institute yarn deployment initiative is part of a broader effort to empower weaving communities and ensure the sustainability of traditional weaving practices. Plans are underway for additional batches of yarn deployment to include other attendees of the PHWC - Cordillera Weavers' Forum, underscoring DOST-PTRI’s commitment to advancing the weaving heritage of the Cordillera Administrative Region.