The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) thru the Technology Application and Promotion Institute celebrated the 2015 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, on July 24-28, 2015 with the theme “Philippines: A Science Nation Innovating for Global Competitiveness.” 

             The event highlighted the eight (8) S&T Based Outcomes for agriculture: enterprise development, industry competitiveness, IT-Business Process Management (IT-BPM), e-Government, quality healthcare, education and disaster preparedness.  These will help push the country towards national development and competitive advantage in the global economic scenario. Apart from the exhibits, other activities undertaken were technology fora, technology demonstrations, interactive activities and other special events.

            The PhilFIDA’s exhibit booth highlighted the different natural fibers commercially available in the Philippines, the developed fiber extraction machines, tools and devices, and FUTD researches such as the Development of Nano Fiber from Abaca Fiber Through Electrospinning and The Effect of Low Temperature Plasma Treatment on the Dye Uptake, Physical and Chemical Properties of abaca fibers.

            The visitors/guests to the exhibit include 376 students from different colleges and universities, 25 government institutions and 66 private individuals. The following topics were mostly the concerns of the visitors:

• Pineapple fiber extraction, as reinforcement material, and its utilization as a community-based project;
• Processes on plasma dye uptake, pure cellulose and degumming of fibers;
• Trainings conducted by the agency and how available technologies are being transferred to private sector;
• Areas for possible abaca plantation and abaca extraction on different regions;
• Extraction machines for different fibers;
• Uses of nano cellulose products made from abaca and uses of other plant fibers;
• Banana peel and talahib a raw materials for handmade papermaking;
• Polyester blended of natural fibers; and
• Supply of natural fibers.