Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 313)
The main purpose is to declare the month of January of every year as the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month to promote the use of locally-produced tropical fabrics and support the local textile industry.
It emphasizes promoting products indigenous to the Philippines, utilizing local technologies and resources as tools for livelihood generation and global market promotion.
Tropical fabrics are those containing natural fibers produced, spun, woven or knitted and finished in the Philippines, intended for use especially in office uniforms of government officials and employees and other purposes.
Pineapple, banana, abaca, and Philippine silk fibers are specifically highlighted for use in textile and allied products.
The Philippine Textile Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (PTRI-DOST) is directed to handle the celebration and ensure continuous research.
January is declared as the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month to sustain gains from previous celebrations and to promote active participation in the use of tropical fabrics.
January 24, 2011 was declared as Philippine Tropical Fabrics Day under the auspices of the PTRI-DOST.
Fabric producers, textile manufacturers, garments and geotextile industries, private sector, associations, institutions, and the academe are enjoined to participate actively.
Expected outcomes include raising awareness on natural fiber utilization, reviving and upgrading the local textile and garment industries, and creating livelihood opportunities in agricultural and industrial sectors.
The proclamation was signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III and Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr.