By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
MANILA HOTEL — The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) held on Thursday (June 26) the KatHABI: Fashion Innovation Show x IPB Abaca Hybrid marking its 50th Anniversary.
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) of the College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the IPB-UPLB, Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), and DOST-PTRI sponsored the KatHABI: Fashion Innovation Show x IPB Abaca Hybrid.
First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos graced the occasion.
Also present were Dr. David Mckyll, Dr. Jayme C. Montoya, DOST-PTRI Dr. Julius Leano, Jr.., DOST Usec. Dr. Lea Buendia, DBM Sec. Amina Pangandaman, and DOST Sec. Renato Solidum, Jr., and IPB Dir. Elmer Anicola, among others.
“IPB is celebrating its Golden Jubilee milestones, innovating pathways in plant breeding,” Dir. Anicola said.
“Let us celebrate the IPB’s 50 years milestones of innovation and growth,” he added.
National Scientist Dr. Emil Q. Javier was the Founding Chairman of the IPB.
Sec. Solidum said “it’s an honor and privilege to join you tonight to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the IPB.”
“it’s not only a fashion show of the abaca fibers hybrid but a story of triumph and conversion of the IPB,” he added..
Solidum stressed “this initiative is in support of Republic Act 9242, or the ‘Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law’.”
“Ito ang tunay na Sining at Agham (This is the authentic Arts and Science),” Solidum expounded.
“KatHABI is not only a show but a window,” Dr. Leano said.
“Katha means create and Habi means weave,” he added.
Dr. Javier said that the launch of the new abaca fiber hybrid is in honor of Dr. Dioscoro Umali.”
He recognized the presence of First Lady Liza Marcos and thanked her for gracing the occasion.
*It took 70 years or more than 3 decades to develop the abaca fiber which was a major export product of the country and was ravaged by virus that damaged the hybrid sterility,” Dr. Javier added.
“Our science and ideas are not meaningful unless they are translated into products,” he quoted Sec. Solidum as saying.
Dr. Umali is the “Father of Modern Plant Breeding”.
The special fashion gala featured capsule collections crafted from Philippine Tropical Fabrics—a vibrant blend of sustainable cotton, pineapple, and a special abaca hybrid developed by IPB in collaboration with DOST-PTRI.
It’s also the Golden Jubilee (50 Years) of innovation and growth of the IPB.
The event showcased the potential of indigenous fibers in the global fashion industry and celebrate Filipino innovation and sustainability.
The fashion gala was part of the International Plant Breeding Conference.
The Executive Gala and the Filipina Gala were worn and presented by the DOST officials themselves. ###
