S&T Intervention

In late 1997, Arlyne came to know  of PTRI which generates and transfers efficient and more productive textile technologies through a friend working at the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), also of the DOST.

After assessing the technology needs of La Herminia, PTRI recommended the technologies on Pinukpok Processing, Basic and Advance Handloom Weaving, and Extraction and Textile Application of Natural Dyes for adoption.

The Pinukpok Processing technology involves weaving indigenous fibers such as abaca and piña fibers to a predetermined fabric construction, followed by chemical treatment and repeated mechanical softening by pressing, imparting to the fabric the desired flattened, supple, and compact appearance.  The use of a motorized rotary press ensures faster and more efficient quality control of the finished material than the traditional normal hammering process or pinukpok in the vernacular using the wooden mallet.

The Basic and Advanced Handloom Weaving technologies include modern weaving concepts, designing, costing, and marketability of the products.   Innovation includes upgrading of looms from two-harness to four- and six-harness for the production of more intricate weave designs. Basically, the technologies improve the physical or aesthetic quality of the fabric through development of weave designs, which ensures product competitiveness in terms of price, quality, and fashion.

The Natural Dye technology, on the other hand, delves on the more systematic and scientific methods of extraction and textile application of dyes from indigenous plant sources.  The standardized processes facilitate a simple and shorter dyeing procedure, resulting in improved quality-dyed material.

PTRI transferred these technologies to La Herminia through its regular training programs.  Field experts were deployed to the company at very minimal cost.  Usually, travel fare is shouldered by the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI), also of DOST, while the proponent provides food and accommodation.  Consultancies or technical advice were provided to them at the pre-operating and actual production stages. 

Through PTRI and other government agencies’ recommendations, La Herminia was able to join provincial, regional, national, and international trade fairs, exhibits, and trade missions.  These trade fair exposures helped in reading the business climate and opened doors leading to market opportunities.