The Philippines is working to expand its silk industry and achieve self-sufficiency in silk production, with all regions expected to take part, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum said Wednesday.
In a video message during the 7th Philippine Silk Summit at Camp John Hay, Solidum said the initiative seeks to mainstream silk in the country’s textile sector.
Before the end of the year, the former Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) technology center in La Trinidad, Benguet, will be transformed into an innovation hub for Northern Luzon, he said.
“It will supply hybrid silkworm eggs and expand a production technology to establish a silk innovation center and a processing center capable of producing 17 percent of national silk demand,” Solidum said.
He expressed confidence in achieving the goal through collaboration, supported by 44 hectares of mulberry plantations and 44 silkworm-rearing houses. The model will be replicated in other regions to strengthen domestic silk production.
By the end of 2026, the integrated silk value chain is expected to expand to the Negros Island Region, Northern Mindanao and Caraga, which will help supply raw materials, he said.
“This will mark the goal of producing 100 percent Philippine-made silk textiles that will be able to compete in the market. It will start from cocoon and processed to produce textile and design,” Solidum said.
Dr. Julius Leaño, director of the DOST-PTRI and executive director of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development, said the La Trinidad hub would receive an initial budget to support its operations.
About PHP12 million will be allocated for machines used to reel silk thread from cocoons. The facility, built in the 1990s, will also be upgraded and refurbished, including the addition of more silkworm-rearing houses.
“We are targeting that by the second quarter of 2027, it will be in full operation,” Leaño said.
The facility can process at least 7 kilograms of cocoons, he said.
Leaño said a hectare of mulberry plantation can produce about 20 kilograms of cocoons every 28 days, allowing for up to 12 harvest cycles a year.
Silkworms from the Visayas and Mindanao will be brought to Benguet to increase cocoon production, with the region producing cocoons classified as Grade A, he added.
DOST-Cordillera Administrative Region Director Nancy Bantog said the silk industry could provide substantial livelihood opportunities for communities.
She said the center would receive seed funding to buy silk cocoons from farmers at prices higher than prevailing market rates. (PNA)
