PTRI Natural Dyes Group stage Techno-demo in the 6th National Coco Week celebration

The PTRI Natural Dye Group mounted an exhibit and conducted a technology demonstration during the 6th Coconut Week Celebration sponsored by the Philippine Coconut Authority of the Department of Agriculture (PCA-DA) last August 24-26, 2007 at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong.

Dubbed as one of the rare find of PCA this year to become part of the new wave of innovations on coconut to be featured during the celebration, PTRI's Pink Coconut Technology rightfully gained center stage. Apparels, fabrics, fibers and textile materials dyed with young coconut husks formed part of the exhibit materials of PTRI. It likewise featured a Bon Gavino Gautier dress made for the Secretary of DOST Dr. Estrella F. Alabastro. After shortly being featured in ABS CBN’s Umagang Kay Ganda on August 24, 2007, the same exhibit from PCA in Quezon City was set-up at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City in time for the opening ceremonies of the week-long celebration.

Gaining center stage, PTRI’s technology was strategically located in the front area of the exhibit hall and has received numerous positive remarks from guests including Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Arthur Yap, TV personality Cory Quirino, PCA officials and visitors from the academe and the private sector.

The Technology demonstration held on August 25, 2007 highlighted PTRI’s participation as it was able to show and demonstrate its developed technology to the audience. The techno-demo highlighted the very inspiration of using young coconut husks and its superior qualities as a textile dye. Moreover, the general; idea of using natural dyes for textiles and apparels was also introduced.

Succeeding engagements spawned by PTRI’s participation in the celebration is a TV appearance on NBN 4’s The Morning Show to discuss in greater detail PTRI’s Pink coconuts, an apt description of the technology and a teaser just the same. Julius L. Leaño Jr., RDD/PTRI-DOST