PTRI: Textile industry strong despite economic headwinds
AMID the challenges posed by the countryâs economic performance in 2024, the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) remains confident in the strength of the textile industry.
PTRI Director Julius Leaño on Friday gave assurances that the textile sectorâs supply chain remains robust and efficient.
âAs long as Filipinos are wearing clothes, the textile industry will remain relevant,â Leaño said at the TELACon press conference at the Philippine International Convention Center.
While the country grew economically by only 5.2 percent, falling short of the 6 percent target, he emphasized that the sector has evolved beyond its early stages, maturing into a vital part of the economy.
âActually, weâre past the stage where weâre still courting. Itâs more about giving all these assurances because the supply chain is long. Itâs from raw material all the way to the downstream,â he said.
According to the Department of Budget and Management, the PTRI emphasized its ongoing investments in textile manufacturing to bolster job creation and stability within the industry.
The textile institute also continues to back joint research initiatives, including those under the Department of Science Technologyâs Joint Research Project for this year.
For 2025, PTRIâs budget has increased to P319 million, up from P254 million in 2024.
Leaño further noted the importance of sustained investment to not only support growth but also to fortify the industryâs long-term stability.
âThe [garment manufacturers] are also talking amongst themselves. Thatâs a big movement as far as the investment climate is concerned. Because if thereâs a priority, theyâll follow it for sure,â he said.
According to PTRI, Philippine textile and garment manufacturing uses various machines and processes, including ring and open-end spinning; air-jet, rapier, and shuttle weaving; circular and flatbed knitting; jet dyeing, stenter, and sanforizing finishing; and overlock, flatlock, and single-needle lockstitch sewing.
Emerging textile recycling efforts utilize shredding, opening, and carding machines to process post-industrial waste fibers, which are then formed into new products using nonwoven and spinning machines.
Last December, national scientist Lourdes Cruz noted the resurgence of the Philippine textile industry, particularly with its focus on natural fibers and sustainable materials. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/12/01/national-scientist-textile-sector-in-resurgence-amid-ecological-deficit/)
Source: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/02/03/ptri-textile-industry-strong-despite-economic-headwinds/