DOST-PTRI eyes to develop scanning system to check counterfeit textiles

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research (DOST-PTRI) Institute is planning to develop a scanning system that would detect counterfeit textiles.

Speaking to GMA News Online, DOST–PTRI Director Julius Leaño said this plan is part of developing the "SalinHABI" app, where the public can follow and contact some of the country’s handloom weavers.

“Ang idea ko nga nun, ‘pag pinikturan mo at pinupload mo — and this is happening siguro in maybe two years, three years time — sasabihin niya na agad kung authentic or not. That will eventually be the direction,” Leaño said Tuesday.

(My idea is that once you take a photo and upload it—and this could happen in two or three years—it can tell you whether the textile is authentic or not. That will eventually be the direction.)

With about 100 weavers registered, "SalinHABI" app was created under the DigiTELAzation Program aimed to safeguard and promote traditional handloom weaving.

DOST-PTRI is also working with bank companies to ease monetary transactions of the weavers.  

Boost awareness vs counterfeit products

During a press conference, Leaño said that DOST–PTRI is looking into strengthening its public awareness campaign against counterfeit textile products in the country, as the local textile industry is losing earnings.

He pointed out that even without specific numbers of affected weavers, the presence of counterfeit textile products in the country is already alarming.

Meanwhile, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said another way to ensure the authenticity of the textiles is to mark them with geographic indicators.

He urged the public to buy locally made textiles to support local farmers and weavers.

“At some point mahal bumili pero doon sa baba marami na tayo na patulungan. So, if us Filipinos would have the means to buy tropical fabric, this is another form of patriotism.

“Patriotism is not simply shouting slogans or waving the flag, but we support, tinatangkilik po natin ang produktong Pilipino kasi marami tayo mga natutulungan sa ating mga kababayan at nakakatulong din ang pagpapatronize dito sa pagpreserve ng ating cultural and traditional values,” he added.

(Patriotism is not simply about shouting slogans or waving the flag. It means supporting and patronizing Filipino products because doing so helps our fellow Filipinos and contributes to the preservation of our cultural and traditional values.)

DOST-PTRI has opened the 2026 National Textile Convention from January 27 to 29 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

With the theme “Stitching Futures,” the 3-day event aims to strengthen the Philippine textile industry for global competitiveness and sustainability.

The DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute opens the 2026 National Textile Convention at the Philippine International Convention Center.

With the theme “Stitching Futures,” the 3-day event aims to strengthen the Philippine textile industry. | Mariel Celine Serquiña/… pic.twitter.com/RX51gZVj6k

— Celine (@celine_serquina) January 27, 2026

Every January, the country celebrates Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month, which promotes natural textile fibers, technologies, and industries in the Philippines through the revival of the local textile sector, inclusive growth, and the creation of livelihoods. —RF, GMA Integrated News