With the ultimate goal of stitching together a more unified, innovative, and sustainable economy for the industry.
On Tuesday, January 27, the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) kicked off the National Textile Convention, also known as TELACon 2026.
The three-day convention, with the theme “Stitching Futures,” happens at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City until Thursday, January 29.
TELACon serves as a premier gathering for textile innovators, industry leaders, researchers, creatives, and policymakers. It aims to shape an inclusive and globally competitive future for the Philippine textile industry and its allied sectors.
Notably, it is also a centerpiece of the annual Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) Month, effectively building on the year-on-year efforts to strengthen the Philippine textile sector.
DOST-PTRI Director Dr. Julius Leaño, Jr. shared, “Stitching Futures highlights the art and science of connecting diverse elements into a unified whole and brings to life the DOST’s vision of making science tangible for Filipinos through the clothes they wear every day.”
He also likened their work to stitches that join spear ate pieces of fabric, with the agency bringing together different ideas, disciplines, and perspectives to achieve “stronger, more impactful results.”
“Each stitch symbolizes the collaborations and partnerships that sustain and advance the industry, creating patterns that tell stories of innovation, sustainability, inclusivity, and shared growth,” added Leaño.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ECONOMIC PROGRESS
Sustainability is the key concept during the first day of the event, where there was a clear focus on advancing sustainability, cultural preservation, and inclusive development.
Topics that day that revolved around it include TextilePH in Cultural Diplomacy; Textile Academy; BARMM Textiles; and SusTELAbility.
All of which highlighted the evolution of Philippine fabrics into powerful tools of diplomacy that open economic, academic, and political doors on the global stage.
Moreover, these showed the importance of turning scientific innovation into tangible drivers of economic growth and community development.
Anchored on the department’s Three-Horizon Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Economic Strategy, Leaño also explained how the framework supports the transformation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), accelerates the commercialization of textile research and development, and fosters sector-wide growth through emerging technologies.
He further stressed that this approach strengthens the global competitiveness of the Philippine textile industry while ensuring that innovation drives inclusive economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability.
KATHABI
Eventually, this vision was translated into action through the KatHABI Textile Innovation Exposition, which showcases new textile products and fabrics crafted from natural fibers using locally developed technologies.
The said expo brings together weavers, uniform makers, textile and garment manufacturers, shoemakers, and embroiderers from across the country.
Attendees will be able to explore high-quality, locally made products while gaining professional insights from industry experts.
AFFIRMING THEIR COMMITMENT
Following the opening program, a press conference was also held in the afternoon to discuss the roadmap for the industry’s modernization.
The DOST-PTRI reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting the use of Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) across the public and private sectors.
Key discussions also highlighted how local textiles support national priorities such as sustainability, cultural preservation, and inclusive economic development, while also strengthening livelihoods for Filipino weavers, manufacturers, designers, and innovators.
Moreover, the speakers also discussed challenges in the sector and how both the weavers and government work hand-in-hand to combat these, including the proliferation of knock-offs in the market—which directly affects them.
They also talked about the role of PTF in the circular economy, which help in taking action against climate change, as well as the continued investment in research, innovation, and multi-sector collaboration that contribute meaningfully to economic resilience and international market presence.