The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) recently conducted an orientation-workshop entitled “TELA Matters: A Techno-preneurship Orientation-Workshop for the Philippine Handloom Weaving Communities” in collaboration with the Philippine Commission on Women.

Some 20 representatives from PTRI’s partner weaving communities from Ilocos Norte, Bontoc, Bulacan, Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and South Cotabato participated in this activity which provided them with capability-building opportunities in market and product development; art, design, and niche market; design development process; and sustainable business concepts.

Resource speakers for the workshop included Isabel Tesoro of Tesoro’s Group of Companies; fashion designer Patrice Ramos-Diaz; former designer Dom Martin Gomez, who is also the curator of the Monastery of the Transfiguration and still very much an advocate of Philippine woven textiles; Prof. Nestor Rañeses, vice-president and executive director of the UP-Institute of Small Scale Industries; Engr. Henry R. Listano, science research specialist II from PTRI; and master weaver Josie Garlitos.

A mini pop-up exhibit of products from the handloom weaving communities was on display during the two-day event which was also graced by Sen. Loren Legarda, author of the Tropical Fabrics Law which aims to promote Philippine tropical fabrics through the use of such materials for uniforms of government officials and employees.

The orientation-workshop is part of PTRI’s pre-event activities for DOST’s upcoming 2015 National Science and Technology Week to be held at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City on July 24-28. (S&T Media Service)