Natural fibers for textiles sufficient, DA-PhilFIDA assures

Posted on September 14, 2026 | Category: Uncategorized | Hits: 192

The Philippines has more than enough raw materials and demand to support a growing textile industry, but stronger processing capabilities and collaboration are needed to maximize these opportunities, according to Department of Agriculture-Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (DA-PhilFIDA) Executive Director Arnold “Ali” Atienza.

Through his short manifestation at the 1st Global Textile Congress and 2026 Philippine Textile Congress, Atienza emphasized the country has sufficient natural fiber resources and markets, both local and global, but needs to strengthen its capacity to process raw fibers.

“We have more than enough raw materials in the Philippines. We have more than enough demand, both local and global. But what we need in the country is processing,” Atienza said.

Atienza emphasized that strengthening the fiber industry must also benefit farmers, particularly those producing abaca and other natural fibers.

“Nandiyan ang demand, nandiyan ang raw materials. But again, hindi po tayo pwedeng kanya-kanya. Kailangan magtulungan tayo,” he said.

He also pointed to the Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) Law, which provides an existing market for locally produced tropical fabrics through the use of Philippine tropical fabrics in government uniforms. However, Atienza noted that more industry players need to participate and produce products that can meet this demand.

Atienza likewise called for stronger links between government research and industry, stressing that technologies developed through public research should reach the private sector for adoption and commercialization.

This direction aligns with the work of the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), which develops technologies and strengthens partnerships to move Philippine natural fibers toward higher-value textile applications.

“No single government agency can grow the textile industry on its own. We need to bring together our different mandates, expertise, and resources, from fiber production and research to processing and market development. When government works together, we create a stronger pathway for our farmers and industries to turn Philippine fibers into products and opportunities,” said DOST-PTRI Director Dr. Julius L. Leaño Jr.

Atienza affirmed the partnership between DA-PhilFIDA and DOST-PTRI and called on the private sector to join government efforts to grow the industry.

“DOST-PTRI through Director Julius [Leaño Jr.] DA-PhilFIDA are partners, and I hope the private sector becomes our partner also,” Atienza said, emphasizing that collaboration is key to strengthening the Philippine textile sector.

With abundant natural fibers, existing demand through the PTF Law, and continuing investments in research and technology, the Textile Congress highlighted the opportunity to move Philippine fibers further up the value chain from farmers and raw materials to processing, manufacturing, and markets.