TELACon 2026: The Future of Telang Pinoy
As part of its continuing, year-on-year efforts to strengthen the Philippine textile sector, the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) hosts the National Textile Convention, also known as TELACon, from January 27-29, 2026 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, stitching together a more unified, innovative, and sustainable textile economy for the future of Telang Pinoy.
The three-day convention—a centerpiece of the annual Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) Month—serves as a premier gathering for textile innovators, industry leaders, researchers, creatives, and policymakers. Under the theme “Stitching Futures,” TELACon 2026 aims to shape an inclusive and globally competitive future for the Philippine textile industry and its allied sectors.
“Stitching Futures highlights the art and science of connecting diverse elements into a unified whole and brings to life the DOST’s vision of making science tangible for Filipinos through the clothes they wear every day,” said DOST-PTRI Director Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr.
He added, “Like stitches joining separate pieces of fabric, our work in the textile sector brings together different ideas, disciplines, and perspectives to achieve stronger, more impactful results. Each stitch symbolizes the collaborations and partnerships that sustain and advance the industry, creating patterns that tell stories of innovation, sustainability, inclusivity, and shared growth.”
Sustainability, Culture, and the Carbon Economy: From Labs to Livelihood
The opening day of TELACon focused on advancing sustainability, cultural preservation, and inclusive development. Key topics, including the “TextilePH in Cultural Diplomacy”, “Textile Academy”, “BARMM Textiles”, and “SusTELAbility”–highlighted the evolution of Philippine fabrics into powerful tools of diplomacy that open economic, academic, and political doors on the global stage.
Importance of turning scientific innovation into tangible drivers of economic growth and community development. Anchored on the department’s Three-Horizon Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Economic Strategy, he explained how the framework supports the transformation of micro, small, and also medium enterprises (MSMEs), accelerates the commercialization of textile research and development, and fosters sector-wide growth through emerging technologies.
He further stressed that this approach strengthens the global competitiveness of the Philippine textile industry while ensuring that innovation drives inclusive economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability.
KatHABI Textile Innovation Exposition
This vision was also translated into action through the KatHABI Textile Innovation Exposition, which showcases new textile products and fabrics crafted from natural fibers using locally developed technologies. The exposition brings together weavers, uniform makers, textile and garment manufacturers, shoemakers, and embroiderers from across the country. Attendees can explore high-quality, locally made products while gaining professional insights from industry experts.
Following the opening, a press conference was held to discuss the roadmap for the industry’s modernization, during which DOST-PTRI reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting the use of Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) across the public and private sectors.
During the press briefing, key discussions highlighted how local textiles support national priorities such as sustainability, cultural preservation, and inclusive economic development, while also strengthening livelihoods for Filipino weavers, manufacturers, designers, and innovators.
Speakers further emphasized that PTF is playing a growing role in climate action through circular economy practices, responsible production, and upcycling, positioning local textiles as both cultural assets and practical solutions to modern environmental challenges.
They also underscored how continued investment in research, innovation, and multi-sector collaboration enables local textiles to contribute meaningfully to economic resilience and international market presence, reinforcing the sector’s relevance beyond traditional applications.
Furthermore, sessions centered on the urban economy and upcycling, positioning Telang Pinoy not just as a cultural product but as a solution to climate challenges. These discussions underscored how local fabrics serve as both economic drivers and political bridge-builders, strengthening the country’s role in the global circular economy.
Focus on People, Livelihoods, Culture, and Security
The second day of TELACon 2026 turns the spotlight on the people and communities behind the Telang Pinoy industry. The day opens with conversations on human capacity development, looking at how schools, universities, and technical-vocational institutions can work more closely together to better prepare the next generation of textile professionals. These discussions will also help shape the Philippine Skills Framework for Textiles and Wearables.
The conversation then moves to sustainable livelihood development, where textiles exploration, used as a pathway to entrepreneurship, regional growth, and more inclusive economic opportunities, especially for communities rooted in traditional production and craft.
In the afternoon, attention shifts to cultural property protection, with discussions on how indigenous weaves can be protected, respected, and fairly used as global interest continues to grow. Followed by sessions on human security and defense, highlighting locally developed textile innovations used in protective gear, medical applications, and public safety.
The program concludes with a Regional Textile Innovation Stakeholders Meeting, uniting partners from across the country to exchange insights, align priorities, and foster ongoing collaboration.
Expanding Markets and Showcasing Innovation
The last day of the convention looks outward, focusing on how PTF can move beyond their traditional role in government uniforms and into everyday life. Industry leaders, designers, manufacturers, and policymakers will come together to explore how these locally sourced fibres can find a place in mainstream fashion, lifestyle products, and even technical applications.
The convention then builds toward its finale with the KatHABI Textile Innovation Fashion Show, where reimagined government and officewear sit alongside contemporary designs rooted in Filipino heritage and craftsmanship. The program also marks the launch of the DOST-PTRI Diamond Anniversary, celebrating decades of research, service, and innovation in support of the country’s textile industry.
As TELACon 2026 unfolds, the convention continues to serve as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation, stitching together policy, people, culture, and technology to shape a sustainable and inclusive future for Telang Pinoy.
Moreover, TELACon 2026 reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting the use of PTF while supporting Filipino weavers, manufacturers, designers, and innovators. The convention aims to highlight how local textiles contribute to vital national goals, including sustainability, cultural preservation, and inclusive economic development.
For more information about TELACon 2026, visit https://www.ptri.dost.gov.ph and https://www.facebook.com/ptri.dost.
