March 29, 2024
BAMBOO INNOVATION HUB — Abra State Institute of Science and Technology President Gregorio Turqueza Jr. signed a memorandum of agreement with DOST-PTRI OIC Julius Leaño for the validation of the soon to be established bamboo textile fiber innovation hub in Abra. — Christian Allister Tubadeza

LAGANGILANG, Abra – A bamboo textile fiber innovation hub will soon be established in the province particularly at the Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (Asist) main campus here.
The Bamboo Textile Ph of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) and Asist signed a memorandum of agreement this month marking the beginning of their partnership towards the establishment of the first bamboo textile fiber innovation hub in the Cordillera.  
Signatories to the MOA are DOST-PTRI Officer-in-Charge Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr., Asist President Dr. Gregorio T. Turqueza Jr., and DOST-Cordillera represented by Engr. Ralf Sapi-il.
Under the MOA, the DOST-PTRI will provide bamboo fiber extraction machines as well as trainings and technical assistance to bamboo producing groups and Asist personnel. This will give bamboo producing towns the capability and gain to transform raw bamboo into bamboo textile fibers for a greater value.
During the presentation of the project, the DOST-PTRI discussed the relevant increase in value of bamboo fibers in Abra after being processed into finished bamboo fabrics. A single bamboo pole costs between P100 to P200 depending on the length while a five-meter finished bamboo fabric can cost between P2,000 to P3,000.
Turqueza underscored the possibilities of partnership among agencies in achieving their goal.
“Collaboration among agencies has always proven to be crucial in advancing their goals. This will contribute to the pursuit of technological innovation and advancements which will enable us to meet our needs in textile production,” he said.
Leaño thanked Asist for supporting the project.
“This will be the very first innovation hub in the Cordillera region and we want government to take that accountability in making sure that we deliver this technology. We are truly thankful for your support in this project,” Leaño said.
Other bamboo textile innovation hubs in the country are in Isabela, Pangasinan, La Union, Rizal, Cavite, Quezon, Antique, Agusan, and Bukidnon. – Christian Allister Tubadeza