Photo courtesy of LEDIPO Taytay Office via Facebook

Taytay, Rizal – October 11, 2023

Taytay, known as the Garments Capital of the Philippines, just took a big step toward becoming a center of sustainable fashion innovation. Through the Innovation Forum: The Future of Fashion Manufacturing, hosted by the Municipality of Taytay, Mayor Allan De Leon and LEDIPO Taytay, participants learned how technology, sustainability, and collaboration are shaping the next generation of the fashion and textile industry.

This forum wasn’t just an event—it was a learning opportunity that revealed the tools, trends, and support systems available for businesses, students, and communities ready to innovate.

Photo courtesy of LEDIPO Taytay Office via Facebook

Why Was This Forum Important?

The fashion industry is changing worldwide. Consumers now expect:

• Faster production

• Sustainable materials

• Less waste

• More personalized products

Taytay’s local businesses—many of which are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—must adapt to stay competitive. The forum focused on how on-demand micro-factories and sustainable practices can help them do just that.

Photo courtesy of LEDIPO Taytay Office via Facebook

Key Concepts Explained

 What is a Micro-Factory?

A micro-factory is a small, tech-powered production unit that:

• Produces items only when needed (on-demand)

• Reduces fabric waste

• Uses less space and fewer resources

• Can be run by small teams or even solo entrepreneurs

This is a perfect match for Taytay’s garment sector, where small businesses dominate.

What is Sustainable Fashion?

Sustainable fashion means:

• Using eco-friendly materials

• Minimizing water and energy use

• Reducing overproduction

• Reusing or recycling fabric

It’s not just good for the planet—it’s also what more customers are looking for.

Photo courtesy of LEDIPO Taytay Office via Facebook

What Experts Shared

Here’s what participants learned from the forum's knowledgeable speakers:

• Mr. Cleo Marco Duran (DTI PD)
  ➤ Explained government programs supporting MSMEs and digital transformation.

• Ms. Marissa C. Argentina (DTI-IVA)
  ➤ Gave an empowering message: Innovation is for everyone—even small local shops.

• Ms. Raquel R. Malig (DTI Region 3) & Ms. Zaila F. Payag (PERO DOST)
  ➤ Introduced research and technology support for textile innovation, testing, and sustainable product development.

• Mr. Andrea Negretti (Global Textile Expert)
  ➤ Shared global best practices—how other countries are using micro-factories and why Taytay has the potential to follow and even lead.

Photo courtesy of LEDIPO Taytay Office via Facebook

What Can You Do With This Knowledge?

If you're a student or graduate:

• Study how technology and fashion are merging (digital design, 3D printing, AI-driven trend forecasting).

• Consider careers in sustainable design, product development, or fashion tech.

If you're a small business owner:

• Explore DTI and DOST programs for funding, training, and equipment upgrades.

• Start with small changes—like using software for better inventory control or switching to more eco-friendly fabric.

If you're a local policymaker or teacher:

• Include fashion innovation and sustainability in school curricula or training centers.

• Partner with TESDA or DTI to bring these ideas to more learners.

Photo courtesy of LEDIPO Taytay Office via Facebook

Why Collaboration Matters

The event also highlighted the importance of working together. With the presence of:

• PCCI Rizal President Gladdie Mallari

• PCCI-Taytay President Elmer Espiritu

Participants saw how business chambers, local government, and national agencies can support economic development through innovation.

Looking Forward

This forum is just the start. Taytay is already rich in talent and entrepreneurial spirit. With education, technology, and community support, it can become a global model for sustainable, future-ready fashion.

Final Lesson

Innovation is not just for the big players. It starts at the local level—with people like you.

Whether you’re designing clothes, teaching students, running a sewing shop, or just dreaming of starting something new—you’re part of the future of fashion.

Photo courtesy of LEDIPO Taytay Office via Facebook

EducationalInnovation
#FutureOfFashion
#TaytayGoesGreen
#MicroFactoryPH
#SustainableTextiles
#LEDIPO
#DTIRizal
#PCCITaytay

By: Meme Borja