On June 25, 2024, a groundbreaking exhibition titled 'KatHABI: A Textile Innovation Exhibition' was unveiled at the prestigious Philippine Center in New York, USA, marking a significant milestone in the Philippine textile industry. The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DoST-PTRI) collaborated with the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center, New York, to showcase the latest advancements in textile technology and design.
Unveiling Textile Breakthroughs:
The exhibit showcased the exceptional textile innovations of DoST-PTRI, featuring a wide array of fabrics made from Philippine silk, natural dyes, and fibers such as abaca, banana, bamboo, and pineapple. Central to the exhibition were the transformative Natural Textile Fiber (NTF) projects and Research and Development (R&D) outputs from key programs like Frontier, Bamboo Textiles PH, Natural Dyes, SEDA Pilipinas (Silk), and Safatos.
Embracing Heritage and Innovation:
Visitors had the opportunity to admire handwoven fabrics crafted by Indigenous peoples and local weavers from various regions of the Philippines, celebrating the country's rich cultural heritage. The exhibit also featured piña-seda fabrics dyed in vibrant colors inspired by the NatDyes logo, symbolizing a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
Notable Figures Present:
The grand opening of the exhibition was graced by esteemed personalities, including DoST-PTRI Director Julius Leaño Jr., New York Consulate General Senen Mangalile, Deputy Consulate General and Philippine Center Manager Adrian Cruz, and Trade Commissioner Benedict Uy. The KatHABI exhibit mesmerized audiences until June 28, offering a unique opportunity for the public to witness the evolution of Filipino textile craftsmanship.
This event underscored the unparalleled richness of Philippine textile heritage, merging ancient techniques with contemporary innovation to create a visual spectacle for admirers and experts in the field.