The Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) together with its partners will launch three books on February 22, 2005 at its office in Bicutan, Taguig City.

Kalamata a source book of PTRI weave designs would benefit not only the handloom weaving industry but could entice would be weavers into engaging or creating their own innovative handloom woven products from indigenous fibers. It could also propel them to be more competitive as they trod the paths toward global competition.

Handbook on "Pre-treatment and Dyeing of Indigenous Plant Materials for World Class Products" is intended for our SMEs especially the handicraft sector as a standard guide for their products. They can achieve a plethora of new designs with the proper pretreatment and dyeing methods.

The compilation of the "Human Face of PTRI S&T Interventions" brings into focus the kind of empowerment S&T can give to the Filipino people. The stories give a multi-hued vista of S&T connecting with people, fulfilling hopes and making dreams into realities.

The printing of these books were made possible through the financial assistance of the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) for Kalamata, Bayer Philippines, Inc. for the handbook and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the Human Face.

Back to back with the launching is the awarding of PNS ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation of the Physical and Chemical Laboratories of the Institute which recognizes the competence of PTRI's testing laboratories. The clients are now assured that the tests being conducted by PTRI are acceptable not only in the Philippines but in the global market as well.