DOST-PTRI EXPLORES COLLABORATION AT GWU TEXTILE MUSEUM AND VISITS PH EMBASSY IN D.C.

Press Release from Philippine Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI)

PRESS RELEASE
WDC-51-2024
09 July 2024
Embassy Press and Information Section
info@phembassy-us.org

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), alongside renowned fashion designer Anthony Cruz Legarda and staff from the Senate of the Philippines – Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office (LBRMO), embarked on a significant visit to the George Washington University (GWU) Textile Museum. This visit underscored potential avenues for collaboration and exchange of knowledge in textile innovation and sustainable fashion.

The delegation was welcomed by Curator Lee Talbot, who guided them through the current exhibition on global ikat textiles. The display featured a diverse collection, including notable examples from Southeast Asia and two exquisite pieces from the Philippines, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and intricate craftsmanship of Filipino weavers. The tour continued at the Cotsen Textile Traces Research Center, led by Karthika Audinet. The center houses an extensive collection of textile fragments and serves as a hub for research resources, offering invaluable insights into the historical and cultural significance of textiles from around the world.

After the tours, DOST-PTRI presented its projects, impressing the GWU Textile Museum staff with the institute’s expansive research and development efforts. The presentation emphasized DOST-PTRI’s commitment to advancing textile technology, sustainability, and innovative applications, reflecting the institute’s pivotal role in the global textile industry. The visit concluded with Katrina Orsini discussing GWU’s initiatives in sustainable fashion and the development of courses focused on sustainable textiles, further emphasizing the shared commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the textile industry. Furthermore, some areas of collaboration align with the Textile Academy Program of the Institute, specifically the development of short courses on sustainable fashion and the exchange of experts in textile exhibit curation and conservation. 

Following this, the DOST-PTRI representatives and the LBRMO of the Philippine Senate, along with Filipino-American fashion designer Anthony Cruz Legarda, paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, USA on July 3, 2024. The delegation met with Consul General Donna Rodriguez and Consul Mark Lim, and had a photo opportunity with Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez. The visit aimed to explore potential collaborations between the DOST and Philippine embassies worldwide, focusing on science communication for the Filipino diaspora. 

A key topic discussed during the meeting was the promotion of scientific literacy among overseas Filipinos. By leveraging the resources and networks of Philippine embassies, DOST-PTRI aims to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Filipino culture and tradition through science communication. This initiative underscores the importance of integrating scientific knowledge with cultural heritage, fostering a sense of pride and identity among Filipinos abroad. The collaboration aims to make scientific advancements accessible and relatable, bridging the gap between science and society. The visit highlights the Philippine government’s commitment to strengthening ties with its diaspora and promoting the country’s rich cultural and scientific heritage on a global stage. ###