Baguio:The Philippines is intensifying efforts to expand its silk industry, with the objective of achieving self-sufficiency in silk production across all regions, as stated by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum.
According to Philippines News Agency, Solidum, in a video message during the 7th Philippine Silk Summit at Camp John Hay, emphasized the initiative's goal to integrate silk into the country's textile sector. He announced that the former Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) technology center in La Trinidad, Benguet, will be converted into an innovation hub for Northern Luzon by the end of the year. This hub aims to supply hybrid silkworm eggs and expand production technology to establish a silk innovation and processing center capable of meeting 17 percent of national silk demand.
Solidum expressed confidence in achieving this goal through collaboration, supported by 44 hectares of mulberry plantations and 44 silkworm-rearing houses. The model is planned for replication in other regions to enhance domestic silk production. By 2026, the integrated silk value chain is expected to expand to the Negros Island Region, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga, aiding in the supply of raw materials.
The initiative aims to produce 100 percent Philippine-made silk textiles, starting from cocoons and processing them to create textile and design products. Dr. Julius Leaño, director of the DOST-PTRI, mentioned that the La Trinidad hub will receive an initial budget for its operations, with about PHP12 million allocated for machinery to reel silk thread from cocoons. The facility, initially built in the 1990s, will be upgraded and expanded, including additional silkworm-rearing houses, with full operations targeted by the second quarter of 2027.
Leaño highlighted that a hectare of mulberry plantation can yield about 20 kilograms of cocoons every 28 days, allowing for up to 12 harvest cycles annually. Silkworms from the Visayas and Mindanao will be transported to Benguet to boost cocoon production, with the region's cocoons classified as Grade A.
DOST-Cordillera Administrative Region Director Nancy Bantog noted that the silk industry could offer substantial livelihood opportunities for communities. The center is set to receive seed funding to purchase silk cocoons from farmers at prices exceeding current market rates.
