By Dhel Nazario
The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) has opened the first natural dyeing facility in the country.
(FACEBOOK/MANILA BULLETIN)
The facility is expected to produce and sell natural dyestuff and cater to the dyeing service requirements of the textile and allied industries such as handicrafts as it aims to spur growth of the Philippine natural dyes industry.
DOST-PTRI led the inauguration ceremony of the Natural Dyes Processing and Dyeing Facility housed in the Natural Craft Connection Enterprise (NCCE) in PurokKamagong, Brgy. Inhicbulan, Bauan, Batangas.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by DOST Undersecretary Brenda L. Nazareth-Manzano, DOST-PTRI Director Celia B. Elumba, DOST-PCIEERD Deputy Executive Director Raul C. Sabularse, DOST-CALABARZON Regional Director Alexander R. Madrigal, PSTC Batangas Provincial Director Felina C. Malabanan, Batangas Governor Executive Secretary Emma Pasatiempo, and NCCE Proprietor Pedro M. Polo Jr.
Also present were the partner-collaborators and stakeholders from the government, academe, private institutions, enterprises, and friends from the media.
The hub is an effort to resort back to the use of natural dyes with the increasing demand and technology development which have been deeply rooted in the culture and tradition of the country.
As Elumba said, it is no secret that the collective efforts and commitment of the primary researcher, supplier, and stakeholders are all needed to make this project a success.
Nazareth-Manzano and Madrigal challenged everyone to further innovate the use of natural dyes in digital printing, food processing, and intelligent fiber for modern fabrics as dye indicator.
The project was undertaken with the collaboration of DOST-PTRI (project implementer), NCCE (private partner), and DOST-PCIEERD (funding agency). The NCCE is also a DOST-CALABARZON’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) beneficiary.