MANILA -- Employees of some government agencies will soon get to wear uniforms designed by top designers using Philippine tropical fabrics, an executive of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Friday.
DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) Director Celia Elumba bared that the institute has tapped the country's top designers to make prototypes of at least three uniforms for the department’s employees and five partner agencies.
PTRI also held a contest for young designers to make prototypes of uniforms for three remaining work days.
The designers are Rajo Laurel, JC Buendia, Albert Andrada, Barge Ramos, PJ Aranador and Patrice Ramos, while the partner agencies are the Civil Service Commission, Department of Tourism, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Trade and Industry, and the National Economic and Development Authority.
"We did draw lots. Each designer was asked to design at least two uniforms and one gala wear for the agency that they picked," Elumba said in an interview.
The judging for the young designers' works, on the other hand, will be held after a runway show at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on January 31.
Elumba explained that the goal is to promote the use of the country’s tropical fabrics and traditional textiles.
"There is Republic Act No. 9242 (An Act Prescribing the Use of Philippine Tropical Fabrics for Uniforms of Public Officials and Employees and for Other Purposes), but there is very low utilization of that, because we had very little resources at that time (it was signed)," she said.
Elumba added that the RA aims to patronize the country's own resources. "Our uniforms must be made from at least 5-percent pineapple leaf, abaca, banana, and about 50-percent silk," she said.
The executive shared that the prototypes include polyester so the clothes would not easily wrinkle.
The five agencies have requested to partner with PTRI, according to Elumba. These agencies will also be among the judges for the design competition.
Once these agencies adopt the designs for their uniforms, they would not need to pay for the top designers' fees, as these were already paid by the PTRI, Elumba said.
"We will help them (agencies) find the right manufacturers, etc. PCAARRD (Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development) will help them source the materials," the executive said.
All other government agencies are welcome to contact the PTRI and adopt the designs, or ask help in creating their uniforms, she added.
Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month
Meanwhile, PTRI will gather all stakeholders for the celebration of the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month at the PICC on January 31.
There will be talks, as well as the fashion show to showcase the young designers' entries for the contest.
"This (runway) will highlight indigenous weaves of the Philippines, mostly from regions like in Mindanao, Ilocos, among others," she said.
Elumba said the Philippine tropical fabrics have a very strong potential for economic integration.
"There are many opportunities, and there's economic return (in using our materials)," she added. (PNA)
