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DOST eyeing sustainable, locally-made military uniforms

Philippines | National

DOST eyeing sustainable, locally-made military uniforms

By Rhowen Del Rosario

The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) joined forces with the Army Support Command (ASCom) to develop combat uniforms made from locally sourced and sustainable materials like bamboo, banana fiber, and Philippine cotton.

Photo from DOST

As part of the 2024 Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) Month with the theme "Spinning Innovations," the department said the initiative called the Philippine Camouflage, Optical, Mechanical, Ballistic, and Armored Textiles (COMBATex) program, was made not only to boost the country's self-reliance in defense but also revitalize the local textile industry.

"Our ultimate goal was to hopefully produce our own local materials for our uniform personnel," DOST PTRI Director Dr. Julius L. Leaño Jr. said in an interview on Jan. 30.

Moreover, the program "will not only develop the fabrics themselves but also optimize the camouflage design to ensure effectiveness in the Philippine terrain," he said.

The program, they said, aligns with the Department of National Defense's vision of a Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) that "promotes localization and reduces dependence on imported textiles."

The two agencies will also collaborate on developing the “camouflage” design to ensure the uniforms blend seamlessly into the diverse Philippine terrain.

DOST added that the fabric itself will undergo rigorous testing to meet international standards for performance and durability, including tests for ballistic resistance, tear strength, and breathability.

Related Tags

Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute DOST-PTRI

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