Pangasinan Launches Bamboo Textile Innovation Hub To Boost Sustainable Fashion
Bamboo, often mistaken as just a tall grass, is proving to be one of nature’s most versatile and sustainable materials. Known for its strength, flexibility, and rapid growth, bamboo has been a part of Filipino culture for centuries from homes and cooking to even purifying the air. Now, it is emerging as a promising eco-friendly raw material for fashion and textiles.
On May 30, 2025, the Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), in collaboration with Pangasinan State University (PSU)-Lingayen, officially launched the Bamboo Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (BTFIH) in Lingayen, Pangasinan. This hub is the first of its kind in the province, the second in the Ilocos Region, and the sixth nationwide, joining existing hubs in La Union, Isabela, Cavite, Abra, and Agusan del Norte.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. highlighted the rising interest in bamboo fiber since the launch of the “KAWAYARN: Bamboo Textiles PH” initiative in September 2023, emphasizing bamboo’s growing role in eco-friendly fashion and textile innovation.
The BTFIH is equipped with newly developed machinery by DOST-PTRI, including a Bench Scale Bamboo Fiber Extraction Machine and Bamboo Splitting Machine. These innovations enable the conversion of tough bamboo poles into soft, workable textile fibers. The hub can produce up to 40 kilograms of bamboo fiber daily, which is then spun into yarn and woven into fabric.
Despite its potential, bamboo fiber is naturally stiff and requires blending with softer fibers like cotton for comfortable fabric production. Processed fibers from the hub will be supplied to the upcoming Regional Yarn Innovation Center in Ilocos Norte, supporting local weaving traditions, cultural preservation, and community livelihoods.
In a related development, 22 staff members from Pangasinan State University recently completed training in bamboo fiber extraction, acquiring skills in machine operation, chemical safety, and best work practices to support the hub’s operations.
The Bamboo Textile Fiber Innovation Hub is also a center for research and development, offering students from PSU and nearby state universities opportunities for hands-on learning, experiments, and collaborative projects. Studies will focus on local bamboo species such as Kawayang Kiling, Bayog, and Kawayang Tinik to further advance material innovation.
PSU Vice President Razeale Resultay described the hub as a convergence of science, tradition, and creativity, fostering entrepreneurship and positioning Pangasinan as a leader in sustainable textiles.
Pangasinan boasts over 7,000 bamboo stands and millions of harvestable culms, making it a natural stronghold for bamboo production. DOST-PTRI Director Julius Leaño Jr. emphasized the need for disciplined farming practices and strong support for bamboo cultivation to ensure high-quality and sustainable fiber production.
One bamboo pole can yield enough fiber for five blouses, and bamboo fabric is currently priced at approximately ₱200 per yard, making it both affordable and accessible to consumers.
“This initiative weaves together Filipino creativity and innovation, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas,” Leaño said.
By harnessing local resources alongside cutting-edge technology, the Bamboo Textile Fiber Innovation Hub aims to drive economic growth, create livelihood opportunities, and boost the entire region’s sustainable textile industry.
