Northern Mindanao paves the way for more sustainable manufacturing as its bamboo textile industry gets a much-needed boost. The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), Central Mindanao University (CMU), and DOST in Region X are set to launch Northern Mindanao’s first Bamboo Textile Fiber Innovation Hub on CMU’s campus in Maramag, Bukidnon.
This hub is envisioned to enhance both the economic and environmental value of bamboo through sustainable fiber extraction and processing. It will serve as a platform for community engagement, empowering local residents to participate in fiber processing and fostering sustainable livelihoods.
Optimizing Bamboo’s Sustainability
The Bamboo Textiles PH initiative aims to revolutionize the bamboo sector by introducing sustainable fiber extraction techniques and exploring innovative applications for bamboo fibers in textiles. Bamboo has significant potential as a sustainable textile source due to its fast growth, minimal agricultural inputs, and beneficial environmental effects.
With the new Bamboo Textile Fiber Innovation Hub, the local bamboo industry can maximize the raw material’s potential by incorporating a more sustainable manufacturing process.
Dr. Rolito Eballe, the CMU President, confirmed this pioneering initiative during a consultative meeting with DOST on March 13, 2024, at the CMU Campus. The hub is planned to be launched in September 2024. The establishment of the first Bamboo Textile Fiber Innovation Hub in Mindanao will validate the performance of the Bamboo Textile Fiber Extraction Machine developed by DOST-PTRI.
Innovative Technology
“CMU is thankful to DOST-PTRI and DOST-X for their support. We are poised to fully operationalize the establishment of the BTFIH, aligning with current market demands,” said Dr. Rolito G. Eballe, CMU President. He added that other LGUs in Mindanao have already expressed keen interest in this initiative.
DOST and CMU’s partnership in this endeavor represents a significant milestone, with DOST-PTRI staff already initiating training programs on bamboo textile fiber extraction in preparation for the hub’s launch.
The BTFIH research project is funded by the DOST–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). The hub’s anticipated debut is slated in the last quarter of 2024.
Source: DOST-PTRI, CMU to launch NorMin’s Bamboo Textile Fiber Innovation Hub
