Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee XII

10/06/2026

10/06/2026

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨’𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐘𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 (𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐈𝐂) 𝐈𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨, 𝐊𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐧, 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨

The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), together with DOST SOCCSKSARGEN, University of Southern Mindanao, Provincial Government of Cotabato, and the Local Government Unit of Kabacan, formally inaugurated the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC) on 05 June 2026 at the University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato Province.

The RYPIC is the first facility of its kind in Mindanao and is expected to help strengthen the region’s textile industry. Established through a DOST-funded project, the center will support yarn production, research, product development, technology transfer, and skills training related to textile manufacturing.

The facility will process locally available natural fibers into yarn, providing a more reliable supply for weaving communities and opening opportunities for farmers, weavers, and small enterprises involved in the textile value chain. More importantly, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒌𝒆𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎 𝒊𝒏 𝑺𝑶𝑪𝑪𝑺𝑲𝑺𝑨𝑹𝑮𝑬𝑵 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒐 by linking fiber producers, researchers, yarn processors, weavers, designers, entrepreneurs, and markets.

The inauguration of the RYPIC reflects the continued support of the Regional Research, Development and Innovation Committee XII (RRDIC XII) and the Regional Development Council XII (RDC XII), whose stakeholders have long recognized the potential of Mindanao’s natural fibers and weaving industry. The initiative traces its roots to 𝑹𝑫𝑪 𝑿𝑰𝑰 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑵𝒐. 163, 𝒔. 2022, “𝑬𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒀𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑪𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 (𝑹𝒀𝑷𝑰𝑪)-𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒐 𝒊𝒏 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑿𝑰𝑰 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑭𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕,” which formally expressed the region’s commitment to establishing a dedicated yarn production and innovation facility in Mindanao. The resolution paved the way for the mobilization of resources and partnerships that eventually led to the realization of the project.

As Chairperson of the RRDIC XII, DOST XII Regional Director Sammy P. Malawan has consistently championed initiatives that strengthen the region’s research, development, and innovation ecosystem. Through the collective efforts of government agencies, academic institutions, industry partners, local government units, and community stakeholders, the project was successfully realized.

Once fully operational, the center is expected to produce 50 to 75 kilograms of yarn per day, with a projected annual revenue of ₱25 million to ₱72 million. The facility is also expected to reduce dependence on imported yarn, support local weaving communities, and encourage more textile-related economic activities across Mindanao. By ensuring a more stable supply of locally produced yarn, the center can help strengthen the entire textile value chain—from natural fiber production and yarn processing to weaving, product development, and market expansion.

The establishment of the RYPIC marks an important milestone for the region’s textile sector. More than a production facility, it represents a strategic investment in building and sustaining Mindanao’s textile innovation ecosystem. Through the continued support of the RRDIC XII, RDC XII, and partner institutions, the center is expected to foster collaboration, promote innovation, create livelihood opportunities, and help position Mindanao as an emerging hub for natural fiber and textile development in the country.

10/06/2026

𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐈𝐂 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨, 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐧, 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨!
Pinangunahan ng DOST-PTRI kasama ang mga katuwang na institusyon ang launching program ng kauna-unahang Regional Yarn Production Innovation Center (RYPIC), na inaasahang magpapalawak ng mga oportunidad para sa mga magsasaka, manghahabi, at lokal na komunidad sa Mindanao.
Katuwang sa inisyatiba ang Sultan Kudarat State University, University of Southern Mindanao, Regional Development Council XII, DOST Region XII, Municipality ng Kabacan, at Lalawigan ng Cotabato.
Sa pamamagitan ng RYPIC Cotabato, mas mapapalapit ang mga makabagong teknolohiya sa paggawa ng sinulid mula sa mga lokal na natural fibers, na magbibigay-suporta sa paglago ng lokal na textile industry at patuloy na pag-unlad ng Telang Pinoy.
Mula sa bukid hanggang sa tela, sama-sama nating hinahabi ang mas matatag na kinabukasan para sa industriya ng tela sa bansa. 🇵🇭✨

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

𝗥𝗬𝗣𝗜𝗖 𝗖𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀, 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗼

In line with advancing technology in textile production, the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), in partnership with the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), formally launched the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC) Cotabato on June 5, held in Lumayong, Kabacan, Cotabato.

RYPIC Cotabato is envisioned to serve as a regional hub for textile innovation, providing facilities, technology, and technical support to transform locally sourced raw materials into high-value textile products.

Through the partnership between DOST-PTRI and USM, the center aims to promote sustainable textile development while enhancing the competitiveness of the country’s textile sector.

As part of the opening ceremony, a facility blessing was conducted, followed by the unveiling of the RYPIC Cotabato marker and a guided facility tour.

Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza, USM President Jonald L. Pimentel, and other facility partners graced the untying ceremony.

Meanwhile, the formal program took place at the USM Commercial Building and gathered university officials, representatives from DOST-PTRI, government agencies, industry partners, and delegates from various regions across the Philippines.

In his commitment message, USM President Pimentel expressed strong support for the initiative.

“Together, we can cultivate a thriving ecosystem of innovation that harnesses the full potential of our natural resources and showcases Filipino ingenuity to the world,” Pimentel said.

“May the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Centers serve as beacons of innovation, collaboration, and progress—not only for Mindanao but for the entire nation,” he added.

Keynote Speaker Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. emphasized the importance of research and collaboration in strengthening the textile industry.

“On behalf of the DOST, I encourage everyone that as we move forward, let us sustain the momentum. Let us take good care of this facility. Let us invest in research, strengthen industry-academe-government collaboration, and build pathways for our textiles to compete globally while remaining proudly Filipino,” Solidum said.

“If we do this, it is one of the highest forms of patriotism that we can manifest,” he added.

With its launch, RYPIC Cotabato becomes the first RYPIC in Mindanao and the fourth in the Philippines.






✍️: Francis James Fabregas
📷: Richann Marc Sahilan
💻: Jemlea Puig

06/06/2026

05/06/2026

𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐂𝐒𝐊𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍 𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦

DOST-PTRI Director Dr. Julius L. Leaño Jr. emphasizes that the launch of RYPIC Cotabato is about breathing life into the SOCCSKSARGEN textile innovation ecosystem. True progress goes beyond infrastructure and training, it is an evolving, nurturing network that brings together national and local policies, a market ready to grow, and a rich cultural heritage to anchor it all.

By weaving technology with our deep-rooted traditions, we are ensuring that this development grows, evolves, and sustains our local communities for generations to come. 🇵🇭✨

05/06/2026

The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) officially launched the Handloom Weaving Innovation Hub in Polomolok, South Cotabato on June 4, 2026. This initiative aims to strengthen local textile production and expand livelihood opportunities for indigenous communities.

Read more: https://agriculture.com.ph/2026/06/05/largest-handloom-weaving-hub-in-south-cotabato-links-farmers-and-weavers-in-textile-production/

05/06/2026

𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲, 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐂𝐒𝐊𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧

Engr. Sancho A. Maborrang highlights the massive impact of the newly launched RYPIC Cotabato facility. With the powerhouse capacity to produce 13 tons of natural textile fiber blended yarns per year, this initiative is transforming livelihoods for rural communities across the SOCCSKSARGEN region and the entire Mindanao.

This high-value innovation proves that Philippine textiles are no longer just traditional artifacts they are competitive, high-quality materials built to thrive on the global stage. 🇵🇭