With the aim to progress the government and academe cooperation on sustainable growth, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) and the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) forged an agreement to establish joint development and innovation in the local textile industry.

The PTRI is the premiere textile research arm of the DOST that conducts applied studies and explorations of the textile landscape.

Benilde, on the other hand, is recognized for pioneering in emerging areas of expertise, including Deaf Applied Studies, design and arts, hospitality management and tourism, as well as business and diplomatic affairs.

The mutual pursuit was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DOST-PTRI Director Dr. Julius Leaño Jr. and DLS-CSB Chancellor Benhur Ong during the 2024 National Textile Convention, also known as TELACon, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

The MOU was signed in the presence of DOST-PTRI Supervising Research Specialist Zailla Payag, DLS-CSB School of Environment and Design (SED) Dean Arch. Harvey Vasquez, and Fashion Design and Merchandising educator and Textile Design Program coordinator Diana Katigbak.

TELACon gathered experts and professionals to foster discussions on breakthroughs and practices within the 2024 Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month scope.

Through the linkage, both parties shall promote shared undertakings on textile research and technology to develop products, processes, and systems toward creative and inclusive expansion.

The agency and institution shall initiate and implement cooperation on training, materials, and requirements relevant to the shared laboratory facilities.

They will likewise engage in the capacity building of its human resources and stakeholders through adjunct academic engagements, on-the-job training and fellowships, and providing special or masterclasses on specific topics in textile design and other domains or modalities.

The alliance is set to immerse in knowledge transfer by disseminating outputs in publications, learning conferences, and course offerings on textile topics.

With the guidance of the DOST-PTRI, Benilde is currently offering a Bachelor in Textile Design (BTD), the premier textile design education program in the Philippines.

The degree program advocates for textile ingenuity, which is deeply connected to Filipino culture and heritage, with a multidisciplinary approach. This represents a groundbreaking framework that factors in the ecological, cultural, social, and economic considerations while ensuring the next generation’s needs are preserved.

BTD is open for applications for the first term of the Academic Year 2024 to 2025. It will run for 10 trimesters, which incorporate elective courses, capstone projects, and practical training.