Launching of the Natural Fabrics R&D Program in the world market 

Collaborate to be competitive. This in essence was the message in the launching of the Natural Fabric Research and Development Program (NFRDP) on July 8, 2002. After a year's campaign, the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) was able to gather various government officials to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that will guarantee the development and commercialization of the Philippine Tropical Fabric in the world market. Signatories to the NFRDP were the various heads of DOST, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

The Philippine Tropical Fabric is a textile material spun from banana, pineapple and abaca fibers, either in pure form or in blend with other fibers, woven or knitted in accordance with its intended use.

NFRDP is spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology with PTRI providing the technology and technical services on raw fiber production, processing, product development/improvement and standardization. (Malu A. Flores, PTRI Media Service)