The Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), the premier textile research and development arm of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) inaugurated the first ever Silk Filature Facility installed at the Kalinga State University, Rizal Campus in Barangay Bulbul, Rizal, Kalinga last April 29, 2022. The momentous event was graced by PTRI Director Celia B. Elumba, DOST-CAR Regional Director Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, Congressman Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang, KSU President Dr. Eduardo T. Bagtang, University Officials and other stakeholders including LGU-Rizal Officials, members of the Kalinga Indigenous Weavers Association (KINWA), Sagada Weavers and other farmers and non-government organizations.
Earlier in 2017, a one-hectare mulberry plantation was initially prepared at the KSU-Rizal Campus which was later expanded to 10 hectares to produce mulberry leaves, the primary food source of silkworms for cocoon production. A silkworm rearing and cocoon processing facility was later put up at the KSU Rizal Campus with the aid of the PTRI and the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority.
In his message, Congressman Mangaoang emphasized the importance of the project as it will open up new beginnings for sericulture farmers as well as the Kalinga weavers who used to source out their indigenous raw materials from banana, cogon, abaca and maguey.
“Weaving is one of the major economic activities among women in the province of Kalinga and I believe that the production of silk through this facility will provide additional raw materials for Kalinga weavers and will further improve the quality of the Kalinga textile which is included in the world’s list of renowned woven products. In addition to providing livelihood opportunities for farmers and weavers in the province, we can see a huge potential for the silk farm to be a sustainable and viable tourist destination for both local and foreign tourists.” Mangaoang said.
Meanwhile, PTRI Director Celia B. Elumba expressed her gratitude to the Kalinga State University and the Local Government Unit of Rizal for their unwavering support that contributed to the establishment and inauguration of the Silk Filature Facility which did not fully operate during the last two years because of the Covid-19 Pandemic. She likewise underscored that the project will provide opportunities for weaving communities to enhance their talents and transform their simple products into world class products.
Sericulture is the process of farming silkworms. It starts with the cultivation of Mulberry trees, the leaves of which are the silkworm’s food. After twenty-one days of feeding, the silkworms spit out silk cocoons which are turned into fiber and thread. The silk reeling line at Kalinga State University will serve as the silk research and innovation center (SRIC) in the Cordillera. It will integrate activities for silk cocoon production from the surrounding areas and rural communities for processing. The facility is expected to redound to more involvement of stakeholders to create jobs through moriculture, cocoon production, cocoon processing, and weaving.
