PTRI Advocates for Use of Local Fabrics in Government Uniforms

MANILA: The Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) is advocating for the wider use of locally produced fabrics in the uniforms of government servants, aligning with the observance of Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) Month. PTRI Director Julius Leaño, in a televised briefing, emphasized the institute’s efforts to promote locally made and sourced materials, including natural fibers, in government uniforms.

According to Philippines News Agency, the House of Representatives has already started using tropical fabrics in their uniforms since last year. The PTRI has collaborated with renowned designers such as Francis Libiran and Avel Bacudio to popularize bamboo textile, a material previously more appealing to older demographics. Leaño highlighted the potential of bamboo as a sustainable raw material due to its widespread availability and high fiber recovery rate. The institute is also exploring other local materials like pineapple leaves, banana trunks, and even water hyacinth for fiber production. Leaño pointed out the economic benefits for farmers, as fiber can be more lucrative compared to traditional crops. Additionally, the PTRI is working on innovations to make these fibers and textiles more affordable and accessible, with applications extending beyond wearables to home textiles with enhanced properties such as thickness and water repellency.