RIZAL, Kalinga (PIA) – – The Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) recently inaugurated the first silk filature facility for silkworm textile production installed at the Kalinga State University (KSU) Rizal Campus in Barangay Bulbul in this municipality.
The event was graced by PTRI Director Celia Elumba, Department of Science and Technology-CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog, Kalinga Congressman Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang, KSU President Eduardo Bagtang, and other University officials.
Other stakeholders including LGU-Rizal officials, members of the Kalinga Indigenous Weavers Association, Sagada Weavers, some farmers and non-government organizations were also present.
Mangaoang emphasized the importance of the project to sericulture farmers as well as Kalinga weavers whose source of indigenous raw materials for their weaving are banana, cogon, abaca and maguey.
“Weaving is one of the major economic activities among women in the province of Kalinga. 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 listed in the world’s renowned woven products,” he said.
Mangoang sees huge potential for the silk industry in terms of providing livelihood opportunities for farmers and weavers, as well as the silk farm as a viable tourist destination.
The facility is expected to result in more involvement of stakeholders to create jobs through moriculture, cocoon production, cocoon processing, and weaving.
Elumba expressed gratitude to KSU and the Rizal LGU for their unwavering support to the project that aims not only to boost silk fabrics production but also provide opportunities for weaving communities to enhance their talents and transform their simple products into world class products.
A one-hectare mulberry plantation was initially prepared in 2017 at the KSU-Rizal Campus to produce mulberry leaves, the primary food source of silkworms for cocoon production. It was later expanded to 10 hectares.
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. **JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga w/ reports from RUW of KSU
