<p style="text-align: justify;">Local technology in Philippine textiles takes the spotlight as the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) unveils the latest in textile innovation using indigenous or neo-ethnic materials at the 2013 Neo-Ethnic Philippine Textiles Conference on June 11, 2013 at the Heritage Hotel in Manila.<br /><br />The event, which aims to confront current issues relevant to local textile production such as sustainability and longevity, takes its cue from industry stakeholders and advocates of native fabrics who are giving the textile industry a second look, thereby giving it a much needed push to make a dent in the global market. <br /><br />Neo-ethnic textiles refer to clothing made of natural or indigenous materials that are used today and created using green scientific and technological approaches by spinners, dyers, weavers and artisans.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />These innovative approaches to fabrics creation, a DOST-PTRI intervention under the DOST-TECHNICOM funded project on neo-ethnic textiles, integrate traditional patterns, designs and motifs that preserve Filipino art and cultural heritage. As a result, regular or traditional fabrics are transformed into world-class products bearing neo-ethnic materials and designs that are unique and a cut above the rest.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />At the same time, this will create additional livelihood opportunities for ethnic groups and communities in the countryside where the raw materials come from, thereby sustaining the growth of the local textile industry.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />To be featured in the event are three conference sessions and a one-of-a-kind fashion show expected to ignite interest on our local fabrics and artistic designs among local and international buyers. The show, titled “Neo-Ethnic Wear,” will showcase wearable ensembles with an array of avant-garde designs executed by international fashion designer Anthony Cruz-Legarda and the Clothing, Textile and Interior Design Department of the College of Home Economics-University of the Philippines Diliman.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, executive director of DOST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) will be the keynote speaker for the event.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br />For people looking for ideas on what will stand out from the crowd and what could be the next best thing in local textiles, the Neo-Ethnic Philippine Textiles Conference and Fashion Show will surely help.</p>
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<td width="79%"><span style="text-align: justify;">One of the showcases at the Philippine Neo-Textile Conference: <em><strong>(Text by Julius L. Leaño Jr./ Photo courtesy of DOST-PTRI)</strong></em><br /> </span></td>
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<td><span style="text-align: justify;">Pineapple-silk  jacket dyed with talisay leaves embellished with talisay dyed lace made  of Philippine silk. An Anthony Cruz Legarda creation to be featured in  the Neo-ethnic Wear Fashion Show at the Heritage Hotel on 11 June 2013 <em><strong>(Text by Julius L. Leaño Jr./ Photo courtesy of DOST-PTRI)</strong></em></span></td>
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