From the clothes people wear to the fabrics used in everyday products, textiles are part of daily life. But behind every piece of fabric is a world of science, technology, creativity, and innovation that the Philippines hopes to bring into more classrooms.

The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) is taking a major step toward strengthening the local textile industry by mobilizing 1,765 higher education institutions (HEIs) nationwide to promote textile science education and develop the next generation of Filipino textile professionals.

The initiative was unveiled alongside the launch of TELAkademi and the Philippine Textile Consortium during the first-ever joint Global Textile Congress (GTC) and Philippine Textile Congress (PTC) 2026, held at Ang Bahay ng Alumni, University of the Philippines Diliman.

The two-day gathering brought together universities, state colleges, training institutions, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to explore how education, research, and innovation can help revive the country’s textile sector.

With the global textile market valued at approximately US$1.2 trillion and international textile trade projected to grow by 4.2% annually through 2033, the Philippines sees an opportunity to strengthen its position in the global industry. The goal is to move beyond dependence on imported raw materials and develop a more integrated domestic textile supply chain while creating new opportunities for local producers and workers.

Interestingly, DOST-PTRI’s nationwide institutional audit revealed an educational gap: although 1,765 colleges and universities offer programs covering skills relevant to the textile supply chain, none currently has a curriculum exclusively dedicated to textile science.

Of the institutions identified, 71 offer programs related to textile raw materials, 646 cover product development, including apparel, medical textiles, and electronic textiles, while 1,048 support supply chain systems involving fiber cultivation, machinery, and logistics.

These competencies are currently scattered across different academic disciplines, including chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, fine arts and design, and industrial technology.

“Textiles are part of our everyday lives, yet textile science is not always given enough attention in our classrooms. Through its partnership with the academe, DOST-PTRI hopes to help develop a standard textile curriculum that will introduce students to the science, technology, and possibilities behind Philippine textiles,” said Evangeline Flor P. Manalang, Officer-in-Charge of DOST-PTRI.

University of the Philippines Diliman Chancellor Atty. Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II also highlighted the importance of connecting education, research, culture, and innovation in building a competitive local textile industry.

He emphasized that textiles represent more than fabric, garments, and traditional crafts. They also reflect scientific discovery, technological advancement, cultural heritage, and the development of Filipino talent.

To address the educational gap, DOST-PTRI established the Philippine Textile Consortium, which will formalize partnerships with higher education institutions, with nearly 60 schools expected to join.

The consortium will support the development of a standardized textile curriculum, collaborative research, laboratory partnerships, technical assistance, degree programs, short courses, hands-on training, and research opportunities for both faculty members and students.

DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development Executive Director Dr. Julius L. Leaño Jr., in his keynote message, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to give the Philippine textile industry a more competitive future.

“Our competitive advantage is not only in the natural resources that we have, but also in our ingenuity and capacity to look beyond our adversities. If we come together, align our aspirations, and rally behind a common cause, we can give the Philippine textile industry a very different future,” he said.

Another highlight was the launch of TELAkademi, a platform designed to encourage knowledge-sharing and collaboration among educators, researchers, and industry players. It will provide opportunities to discuss emerging developments in materials science, textile engineering, production technologies, and innovation.

DOST-PTRI is also implementing an academic development roadmap that introduces different areas of textile education through university partnerships. Its focus areas include textile materials in 2025, textile chemistry, dyes and colorants in 2026, nonwoven textiles and textile and fabric design in 2027, and textile analysis in 2028.

Beyond classroom learning, the institute offers thesis co-advising, joint research assistance worth up to PHP 200,000 for graduate students, laboratory services, and a mobile textile laboratory to support academic research and technical training.

The initiative also encourages the use of locally available agricultural materials to develop sustainable, value-added textile products. By introducing textile science to younger generations, DOST-PTRI hopes to inspire greater appreciation for Telang Pinoy and recognize the contributions of Filipino farmers, weavers, designers, and other industry practitioners.

The GTC and PTC 2026 also featured a TELAkademi Fair, a Stakeholders’ Networking Night, and the Philippine Textile Consortium General Assembly, providing opportunities for participants to exchange ideas and establish stronger industry connections.

Through these initiatives, DOST-PTRI hopes to transform textile education into a stronger foundation for local innovation, sustainable production, and economic growth.

More importantly, bringing textile science into classrooms could help young Filipinos see new possibilities in an industry that combines creativity, technology, science, and the country’s rich cultural heritage.

For more information about DOST-PTRI programs and services, interested parties may email ptri@ptri.dost.gov.ph or visit the institute’s official social media accounts.