PTRI-DOST Conducts Training on Silk Dyeing and Handloom Weaving in Negros Occidental
PTRI Release, January 6, 2006

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Region VI in cooperation with the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) conducted two seminar-workshops last September for members of the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) held at its training center in Bago City, Negros Occidental.

OISCA, a non-government organization started a sericulture project in 1989 to help farmers improve their standard of living through cocoon production. In 2000 some OISCA members had undergone trainings on degumming and hand spinning of cocoon waste by PTRI experts. They are now producing 83% of the country's silk yarns used in the production of barong tagalog and other hand woven products. These silk yarns are sold to weavers of Iloilo, Aklan, Cavite and Manila.

The growing demand for silk products encouraged the managers of OISCA to establish their own weaving center. In March 2005, they bought looms from Aklan and hired two weavers from a nearby town. These weavers, however, found it difficult to weave silk yarns since they were used to handling abaca. Hence, help was again sought for the expertise of the PTRI through DOST VI Provincial Science and Technology Officer, Mrs. Emelyn P. Flores.

Two trainings were organized; the first was on dyeing of silk yarns using synthetic and natural dyes. The four day training held on September 14-17, 2005 headed by Ms. Charito P. Cauton were attended by 29 participants who were given lectures and hands-on demonstration on the proper process of silk dyeing using acid dyes and the extraction and application of natural dyes. After which Mrs. Mila L. Perez, also of PTRI handled the handloom weaving seminar-workshop. This handloom training was done for 12 days from September 26 - October 5, 2005 with 14 participants in attendance.

The two technology transfer activities provided the participants with the knowledge and skills in dyeing and execution of weave designs. OISCA was grateful for the cooperation extended by DOST and PTRI. (Malu A. Flores, PTRI S&T Media Service)