The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) spearheaded an Innovation Dialogue today, April 16, 2026, bringing together textile stakeholders from Negros Oriental and Siquijor to restore the regional fiber industry.

Held at the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) Main Campus Library, the event served as a collaborative platform to align local initiatives with national textile development goals.

The attendees were cordially welcomed by Atty. Gilbert R. Arbon, OIC Regional Director of DOST Negros Island Region, followed by an opening statement from Ms. Cheryl G. Lopez,

Supervising Science Research Specialist, Research and Development Division, DOST-PTRI, on behalf of Dr. Julius L. Leaño Jr., Director IV of DOST-PTRI. As the host for today’s event, Dr. Merivic G. Catada, NORSU Vice President for Administration and Finance, expressed her Message of Support.

The dialogue emphasized the "Frontier" approach, focusing on science-backed interventions to elevate local materials into high-value textile products. Key discussions centered on the 2026 Projects in NIR, which include:
Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (NTFIH) - NIR: A dedicated facility aimed at processing local raw fibers.
Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC) - NIR: Designed to bridge the gap between raw fiber production and commercial yarn manufacturing.

The session was a strategic meeting involving various agencies, universities, and private organizations. The dialogue marks a significant step in transforming the Negros Island Region into a hub for sustainable textile innovation.

By establishing both an Innovation Hub and a Yarn Production Center, DOST-PTRI aims to empower local weavers, farmers, and entrepreneurs.

As the program concluded, stakeholders expressed a shared commitment, ensuring that today's dialogue translates into economic growth for the region's textile sector.