A group of 100 local weavers in Muntinlupa can now sustain year-round production of native crafts following the installation of a new industrial dryer designed to withstand the country’s unpredictable rainy seasons.

The facility, featuring an “Eco-Dryer” developed by the Department of Science and Technology’s Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DoST-FPRDI), was formally turned over to the city government. The project is a collaboration between Maynilad Water Services Inc., the DoST and the local government.

For years, weavers under the city’s Gender and Development Office struggled with mold and rot in their raw materials. Water hyacinth — an invasive freshwater plant that is the primary material for the community’s bags, trays, and slippers — is notoriously difficult to dry during the wet season, often leading to wasted harvests and lost income.

The Eco-Dryer uses a simplified heating system that is 60 percent cheaper to build and consumes 35 percent less biomass fuel than conventional models.

Engr. Wency H. Carmelo of the DoST-FPRDI said the system maximizes heat retention, allowing weavers to achieve consistent temperatures without using large volumes of firewood.

“Our mission is to ensure that science serves as a bridge to prosperity,” said DoST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., citing that the system allows local artisans to compete in the global market by removing the seasonal barriers that previously stalled their work.

Meantime, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon praised the initiative for transforming an environmental nuisance — the fast-growing water hyacinth in Laguna Lake — into a stable economic asset.

Maynilad officials added that the project supports environmental stewardship of the lake, which serves as one of their primary water sources.

DoST-FPRDI experts are scheduled to conduct technical training for local staff in the coming weeks to ensure the facility’s long-term maintenance.