The Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month showcased office uniforms made from indigenous tropical fabrics spun from natural fibers such as silk, banana, pineapple, and abaca, designed by local artisans.

The event, held annually in the first quarter, aims to raise awareness of local fabrics and promote collaboration between industry players and research institutions to promote innovation in clothing production.

The event, now in its tenth year, features a fashion show aimed at boosting the commercial production of indigenous tropical fabrics. It targets farmers, handloom weavers of natural textiles, retailers and millers, and producers of uniforms of various types.

The Philippines pioneered textile production in Southeast Asia, but changes in global trade, lack of technical knowledge and investment, and preferential policies led to a drop in the garment and textile industry’s export value from $3 billion in the 1990s to $1.2 billion by 2016.

However, the country remains competitive in the mid- to high-end market, primarily for its prized embroidery and intricate design capabilities, including handwoven fabrics made with indigenous fibers.