The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched its two major projects in Antique as part of the celebration of the 2024 Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Western Visayas on Thursday.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum led the launching of the natural dyes hub in Barangay Iguirindon, San Remigio, funded by the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) and the learning hub at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in San Jose de Buenavista under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program.

Solidum said the department supports the loom weaving industry in Antique through the hub.

“There is a good future for the patadyong (loom weaving) industry for it commands higher prices when exported, like in Europe,” he said in his message.

Solidum said that with the hub, the 16 loom weavers of San Remigio could infuse their creativity with the technologies developed through DOST.

PTRI Director Julius Leaño Jr., during a press conference, said the hub is the second established in Antique through the initiative of Senator Loren Legarda.

“The hub is a two-story building amounting to PHP2 million that had been included in our General Appropriations Act through the help of Senator Legarda,” Leaño said.

The first hub in Barangay Bagtason, Bugasong was realized through the fund lobbied by the senator from the National Center for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

“There are also dye vats, shredder, and other equipment provided at the hub that they can use in producing natural dye from plants that are available in the area, such as indigo and talisay,” he said.

He added they hope to help accelerate the loom weaving industry in Antique with the presence of the hub.

Meanwhile, the learning hub, a partnership project of the DOST and the University of Antique (UA), would provide space to the 18 persons deprived of liberty as they pursue their college degrees while serving their sentences.

The PHP380,000 hub is part of the PHP4.5 million project of the DOST for BJMP.

“The College Education Behind Bars (CEBB) program is the first in the country where persons deprived of liberty (PDL) could already have a chance to take up a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship course,” Solidum said.

UA professors will hold classes for PDLs during the weekends at the learning hub. (PNA)