DOST agencies develop abaca products processors

Now, those in the abaca industry have a better and easier way of improving the quality and quantity of their abaca-based finished products.

A rotary press that can do the task has been developed by two agencies of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The motorized pressing machine was the output of the joint efforts of the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) headed by Director Carlos Tomboc and the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) under Director Rolando Viloria. It was designed in response to the growing need of abaca processors to increase productivity.

The machine has three four-inch steel rollers to flatten and even out sinamay fabrics commonly called pinukpok. It can process 30-50 meters of abaca fabrics and can withstand bending loads under extreme weather.

"With addition of chemicals, the fabrics easily become softer, smoother, and more lustrous," pointed out PTRI, as reported by Malu Flores.

A unit of the machine has been taken to Malilipot, Albay, to serve as a common service facility to all abaca pinukpok producers.

The machine’s viability was shown not long ago to DOST officials led by Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro and members of the national and Bicol media.

Beneficiary of the project is the San Roque Weavers Association (SRWA) at Barangay San Roque, Malilipot.

The project was implemented by DOST Region-5 headed by Director Nenette Abilay and coordinated by PTRI, MIRDC, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It was funded by DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP), DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI), and DOST-Region 5.

Salvacion Alemania of SRWA reported that with the machine their association has expanded its product lines from simple sinamay to bags, place mats, pillow cases, and other abaca-based products and other novelty items. The designs and weave patterns were also improved.

Though designed specifically for abaca fabric, the rotary machine can also press pineapple, banana, buntal, and other fine natural fibers for high-value added products.

To date, five units of the rotary press have been fabricated and are being used for pinukpok production in Metro Manila, the Bicol region, and Cotabato. – Rudy A. Fernandez