Clothing made from tropical fabrics such as piña and banana is usually used during weddings, baptisms, burials and other special occasions. The Philippine Textile Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PTRI), however, is keen on making tropical fabrics more mainstream.

The establishment of PTRI’s P54-million Innovation Center for Yarns and Textiles (ICYT) is a step closer to this goal. Part of the bigger objective of revitalizing the textile industry in the country, it will produce yarns for the needs of both customers and clothing industry.