Photo courtesy of LEDIPO Taytay Office via Facebook

Taytay, Rizal — October 11, 2023

A bold step toward transforming the fashion and textile industry took place in the heart of the “Garments Capital of the Philippines,” as the Municipality of Taytay, led by Mayor Allan De Leon and organized by the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (LEDIPO), successfully hosted the Innovation Forum: The Future of Fashion Manufacturing at TESDA Taytay.

This groundbreaking event gathered fashion stakeholders, local entrepreneurs, government agencies, and global experts to discuss one central theme: How can Taytay lead the future of sustainable, on-demand fashion manufacturing through innovation?

Photo courtesy of LEDIPO Taytay Office via Facebook

Reimagining Taytay as a Fashion Tech Hub

Taytay has long been a vital player in the Philippine fashion and garment scene. However, with global markets shifting toward sustainability, efficiency, and technology, the forum highlighted how the town is not only ready to adapt—but to lead.

The spotlight was on micro-factories—small-scale, high-tech production units capable of fulfilling orders on demand, reducing waste, and empowering local creatives and manufacturers. These innovations offer a clear path toward greener, faster, and smarter production models, ideal for Taytay’s dynamic fashion ecosystem.

Photo courtesy of LEDIPO Taytay Office via Facebook

Powerful Voices, Practical Insights

The forum was elevated by the presence of esteemed speakers who provided both inspiration and actionable knowledge:

• Mr. Cleo Marco Duran of DTI PD shared a strategic overview of ongoing government efforts to promote inclusive, innovation-led industry growth.

• Ms. Marissa C. Argentina, OIC Regional Director of DTI-IVA, delivered a powerful keynote emphasizing the critical role of innovation in sustaining local industries and livelihoods.

• Ms. Raquel R. Malig from CTIDS, IDD, DTI Region 3, and Ms. Zaila F. Payag, Supervising Science Research Specialist from PERO DOST, offered deep dives into government programs, R&D support, and the technological advancements that are now more accessible than ever to local MSMEs.

• International expertise came from Mr. Andrea Negretti, a global authority on textiles, who shared trends, technologies, and models being adopted worldwide that Taytay’s garment industry can now explore and adapt.

Photo courtesy of LEDIPO Taytay Office via Facebook

Strengthening Partnerships for Progress

The event also highlighted the strength of public-private collaboration. PCCI Rizal President Gladdie Mallari and PCCI-Taytay President Elmer Espiritu joined the discussions, reinforcing the business sector’s commitment to modernizing the local fashion landscape and promoting inclusive economic development.

Their presence underscored a united front among government, industry, and community—essential in building a resilient and future-ready fashion sector.

The Road Ahead

This Innovation Forum wasn’t just a one-day event—it was a declaration of Taytay’s vision for its fashion industry: one that embraces sustainability, digital transformation, and global competitiveness.

As Taytay continues to modernize its manufacturing capabilities, the town also continues to invest in its most valuable assets—its people. With initiatives like these, small businesses, young designers, and local manufacturers are being given the tools and knowledge to thrive in a changing global market.

Stay Involved. Stay Inspired.

To all who participated: thank you for being part of this movement. For those who missed it, this is just the beginning. Taytay is ready to lead, and together, we will stitch a future where tradition meets technology—beautifully and sustainably.

Photo courtesy of LEDIPO Taytay Office via Facebook

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By: Meme Borja