DOST opens textile hub in Laguna; urges public to turn trash into cash

NEW TEXTILE HUB. Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., in this speech during the launch of the Natural Fiber Textile Innovation Hub in Laguna on Thursday (April 16, 2026) underscored the importance of the innovation hub on turning what are considered thrash into something important. He said the water hyacinths of Laguna de Bay may be turned into a viable raw material and transformed into a high-value and sustainable natural textile fiber through a process that can be done at at the newly launched innovation hub. (Screenshot from Laguna University FB)

MANILA – "May pera sa basura (There is money in trash).”

This was emphasized by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. during the launch of a textile hub in Laguna on Thursday.

Located at the Laguna University, the Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (NTFIH) is the first of its kind in Calabarzon, and the third in the country.

"If we see trash, don't think that it's just a waste. Plastic, paper, old cloth, and even agricultural waste can be turned into new products," he said in Filipino.

The water hyacinths of Laguna de Bay, he said, is an untapped resource for textile materials.

According to the DOST, water hyacinths can be turned into a viable raw material and transformed into a high-value and sustainable natural textile fiber.

"By harvesting these plants, we help clean our waterways while creating a new way for our lakeside communities to have additional sources of livelihood. These are clear opportunities to add value to these natural textile fibers while empowering our local farming and lakeside communities to have additional sources of livelihood," he said.

Solidum said DOST and its partners have explored the potential of banana pseudostem and pineapple leaf fibers, which are typically regarded as agricultural by-products.

With the establishment of the NTFIH Laguna, the DOST promotes the commercialization of research and development outputs in support of textile enterprises.

"The establishment of NTFIH Laguna is going to serve a catalytic purpose in integrating small players within the regional textile value chain. It will provide a business model for investors who can replicate and expand its current capacities and is positioned as an innovation hub where knowledge in textile materials and engineering can continue to grow,” Solidum said.

In a Viber message to the Philippine News Agency, Solidum said the hub will produce fibers out of abaca, banana stem and pineapple leaves.

"The Laguna University will operate the hub, but the raw materials will be sourced and bought from farmers or community organizations. The fibers produced will be purchased by the PTRI (Philippine Textile Research Institute) for further processing to yarns then fabrics to be used by handloom weavers," he added.

In 2023, the DOST established an NTFIH in Apayao, and in Sultan Kudarat in 2024. 

Solidum said the DOST-PTRI will establish 10 more hubs around the country within the year. (PNA)