Manila, April 16 -- May pera sa basura (There is money in trash)."

This was emphasized by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. during the launch of a textile hub in Laguna on Thursday.

Located at the Laguna University, the Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub (NTFIH) is the first of its kind in Calabarzon, and the third in the country.

"If we see trash, don't think that it's just a waste. Plastic, paper, old cloth, and even agricultural waste can be turned into new products," he said in Filipino.

The water hyacinths of Laguna de Bay, he said, is an untapped resource for textile materials.

According to the DOST, water hyacinths can be turned into a viable raw material and transformed into a high-val...