The Laguna University served as the home of the first Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (NTFIH) in Region IV-A, which was officially launched last April 16, 2026.
The project was under the Fostering the Revitalization of Nascent Textile Innovation Ecosystems in the Regions, known as the FRONTIER Program of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI).
Marking a major step in advancing technology, the facility is designed to boost regional textile innovation focused on fiber and yarn production from waste materials, such as banana pseudostems, pineapple leaves, and water hyacinths.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Charlemagne Laviña highlighted the significance of the facility’s launch. “Our event is more than just opening a facility. It represents the convergence of science, technology, and local ingenuity. The ability to transform natural and indigenous resources to valuable textile fibers is a testament to the power of research and innovation in addressing both economic and environmental challenges,” the University President stated.
Meanwhile, Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr. Director IV of DOST-PTRI, emphasized the strategic placement of the hub in Laguna. According to him, ” Ang NTFIH ay strategically located sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas, depende sa kung anong hibla ang sagana sa bawat lugar… Here in Laguna, mayroon tayong plantations ng pinya sa Calauan at saging sa mga karatig na munisipyo, and all of these are planted not because of the fiber pero dahil sa bunga. Pero nung tiningnan po namin, mas mahal pa ang value ng hibla ng saging at pinya kaysa sa mismong bunga. Binibigyan ng pagkakataon nito ang ating mga magsasaka, literally and figuratively, na nakadikit sa lupa to give more value into their products.”
Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, hopes that the project will be highly successful in creating livelihoods and employment as it produces world-class textiles.
Messages of Support
Ms. Agnes G. Morales, Provincial Director of DOST-Laguna, congratulated DOST-PTRI and LU for their partnership in transforming resources into high-quality and sustainable textile materials.
Moreover, Ms. Carina F. Macalos, Assistant Provincial Administrator, represented Governor Marisol C. Aragones-Sampelo. She agreed that the province is rich in resources, stating that “Hindi natin mate-takeoff yung ating resources without the innovation. At dito po pumapasok ang DOST, ang kanilang research team. Ang wish po natin ay sana magtuloy-tuloy, mas ma-strategize, ma-streamline ang mga programa para matulungan natin ang mga magsasaka at ang weaving industry.
The Municipal Mayor of Sta Cruz, Hon. Joseph Kris Benjamin B. Agaro, through his representative, Mr. Edison Amoranto, said that “Ito pong programang ito ay hindi lang ayuda, kung ‘di, sabi nga po, this is a way of teaching people how to fish, not giving fish. Ito po ay paraan para mapagbigyan po ang mga mamamayan ng Sta Cruz na magkaroon ng hanapbuhay.”
On the other hand, Hon. Benjamin Agarao, Representative of the 4th District of Laguna, assures that the youth will protect and preserve the province’s agriculture sector.
Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., DOST Secretary, underscored that the agency develops technologies that create jobs for the Filipino people. “What matters most and what we hope to create is impact, so the establishment of this hub in Laguna is going to serve as a catalytic manner by integrating small players with the regional textile value chain,” the secretary explained.
The program was followed by a press conference and a facility tour, during which the symbolic untying of fiber was witnessed.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Emelita P. Bagsit, Regional Director of DOST-CALABARZON, positively hoped for greater flexibility to preserve traditional products as the NTFIH connects the textile sector.
Overall, the launch of the Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub at Laguna University stood as a powerful symbol of collaboration, innovation, and shared vision for sustainable development in CALABARZON.
Written by: Louiebell P. Alillana, Marvin Francia & Marie Joy Q. Elomina, Ph.D.
