The Philippine Textile Research Institute as a line agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) supports the local textile and allied industries achieve global competitiveness through utilization of indigenous resources, and development of technical competence in textile production and quality assurance.

At the recent ASEAN Science and Technology Week (ASTW) celebration, ministers or their representatives met in Manila in July this year. The country's national costume (barong tagalog) were given as tokens to the various ministers through a project of the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

PTRI Director Carlos C. Tomboc and PTRI's Technology Transfer and Promotions Head Engr. Rita G. Delfin attended the Seminar for the Officials of Textiles and Clothing Industry for Developing Countries held in Beijing, China on June 3-22, 2008.

ASEAN Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Science and Technology (S&T) will be wearing barongs, the Philippine's national costume at the opening ceremonies of the 8th ASEAN Science and Technology Week (ASTW) on July 7,2008 in Manila.

The Anthony Cruz Legarda collection is an experience that reveals the indigenous and intricate characteristics of Philippine textile as well as the technical virtuosity of Filipino master weavers’ use of natural color, pattern and form.