Showing posts with label Philippine Textile Research Institute. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philippine Textile Research Institute. Show all posts

Friday, March 15, 2024

Weaving Progress: The 5th Philippine Silk Summit's Pioneering Leap in Cagayan de Oro City



SOURCE: PIA 10

In a groundbreaking move, the Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) orchestrated the 5th Philippine Silk Summit, a significant event recently held for the first time outside Metro Manila's borders, in Cagayan de Oro City. This decision underscores a strategic shift, emphasizing regional inclusivity and development in the Philippine silk sector. The summit, aptly themed **"Spinning Innovations for Philippine Silk,"** emerged as a critical platform, facilitating a convergence of minds and missions pivotal to the industry.


At the heart of the summit was an unwavering commitment to unite various stakeholders along the silk value chain. The event's mission was clear: to collaboratively identify and address the challenges and opportunities facing the Philippine silk industry. By exploring the SEDA Pilipinas Roadmap and the current industry landscape, participants delved into strategic discussions on mulberry plantation initiatives, silk cocoon production enhancements, and product development innovations aimed at securing a sustainable and prosperous future for the sector.


Amidst the discussions and deliberations, the SEDA Pilipinas Exhibition offered a tangible testament to the skills and artistry inherent in the local weaving community. This showcase not only highlighted the exquisite craftsmanship of Filipino weavers but also emphasized their crucial role in the silk value chain. It was a vivid reminder of the human element that powers the industry, underscoring the importance of nurturing these skills for the sector's continued growth.



In a significant development reported by Julius Leaรฑo Jr., director of PTRI, the municipality of Villanueva in Misamis Oriental has been recognized for housing the country's largest silkworm germplasm. This facility's capacity to produce 1,000 boxes of hybrid eggs annually presents a significant opportunity for farmers across the nation, promising to be a catalyst for growth and sustainability within the industry.



A critical aspect of silk production, the mulberry plantation landscape in the Philippines, encompasses 39 hectares spread across various regions. These plantations are not just agricultural sites but the foundation upon which the silk industry can expand and flourish. The acknowledgment of existing plantations and the initiative to develop more are pivotal steps toward achieving industry sustainability.



The summit shed light on the collaborative infrastructure supporting silkworm producers, with 43 rearing structures and two hybrid silkworm egg centers established through the concerted efforts of partners and stakeholders. This network not only facilitates production but also fosters a community among producers, promoting knowledge exchange and mutual support.


Leaรฑo's reflections on the summit encapsulated the overarching goal: to transcend the production of silk and impact the lives of those within the community. This event was not solely about fostering industry growth but equally about enriching the lives of farmers, weavers, and their communities. It underscored the profound social dimension of the silk industry, where every thread woven is a story of life and livelihood intertwined.



A hallmark of the summit was the ceremonial exchange of a Memorandum of Agreement between DOST-PTRI and key stakeholders, including public and private organizations such as the Department of Tourism-10 and OISCA Bago Training. This moment was emblematic of the collaborative spirit envisaged for the industry's future, highlighting the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable growth and development.



The 5th Philippine Silk Summit in Cagayan de Oro City marked a significant milestone in the Philippine silk industry's journey. It was a gathering that went beyond the traditional confines of a summit, evolving into a powerful catalyst for change, innovation, and sustainability. As stakeholders reflect on the discussions, initiatives, and partnerships fostered through this event, the industry stands on the cusp of a new era. An era where the collective efforts of all involved spin innovations not just for Philippine silk but for the very fabric of the communities that sustain it.

In the end, the summit was more than just an event; it was a reaffirmation of commitment to the Philippine silk industry's vibrant futureโ€”a future built on the pillars of collaboration, innovation, and community. As the industry weaves its path forward, the lessons learned and the partnerships formed in Cagayan de Oro City will undoubtedly serve as its guiding threads.

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Unfolding Silk: Northern Mindanao's Lustrous Path in Tourism



SOURCE: PIA 10

In the vibrant city of Cagayan de Oro, a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) casts a promising light on Northern Mindanaoโ€™s future. As the ink dried on the document, PTRI director Julius Leaรฑo, Jr., and DOT Regional Director Marie Elaine Unchuan heralded the birth of a synergy set to entwine the burgeoning silk industry with the region's tourism circuit.

This alliance is not a mere contract but a vow to propel an industry that embodies both heritage and innovation. The pronounced aim goes beyond showcasing silk; it's about weaving the very fabric of local communities into the tourism tapestry of the Philippines.



The newly-signed MOA sets the stage for a profound integration of the silk industry within Northern Mindanao's tourist experiences. The Department of Tourism's active promotion of sericulture includes incorporating silk facilities into their tours, providing visitors with an immersive educational journey through the silk value chain.

According to Marie Elaine Unchuan, this initiative brings a dual advantage. It enlightens tourists and sparks a burgeoning interest, potentially increasing demand and drawing investors. The silk narrative in Mindanao is set to be a catalyst of growth and a novelty that dovetails with the spirit of sustainability and cultural pride.



Mindanao's rich cultural tapestry gets new highlights as the DOT plans to showcase indigenous weavers and their traditional textiles, including silk, as part of the region's tourism landscape. By integrating production houses into heritage tours, visitors gain a rare glimpse into the creation of this lavish material, straight from cocoon to loom.

The initiative not only promotes the silk industry but honors the artisanal mastery of local weavers. They are custodians of a tradition that threads back generations, now receiving the applause and attention they rightfully deserve on the global stage.



Northern Mindanao's tourism circuit is poised to evolve with the new focus on silk. Existing tours emphasize engagement with indigenous tribes, allowing for intimate interactions with local weaving communities. While many of these groups haven't yet adopted silk weaving, the DOT-10 Regional Director sees a realm of untapped potential, foretelling the future introduction of silk weaving to these traditions.

This approach isn't just about expanding a marketplace; it's an avenue to enrich indigenous cultures, offering another strand in their creative and cultural armamentarium. The anticipation of teaching Indigenous People (IP) weavers about silk and indigenous designs is both an honoring of their heritage and an embrace of progress.



The significance of partnership and collective effort in uplifting the silk industry was underscored by PTRI director Julius Leaรฑo, Jr. He emphasized that the narrative extends far beyond the realms of fashion and academia to the real protagonists โ€“ the communities. The instituted measures aim not just to generate silk but to positively impact the lives entwined within its production.

This unity between agencies represents more than policyโ€”it is the intertwining of aspirations, efforts, and destinies for those in the sericulture community. These artisans and farmers are now poised to receive the boost they need, both in terms of recognition and economic support.


"Silk is a storyteller," Leaรฑo stated, drawing attention to the underlying narratives of each thread. This development champions not just an industry but a culture, expressed through every weave and pattern. The intricate stories of the communities behind the silk will be shared with every visitor and customer, thus adding a unique value to the silk products.

The goal is story-centric, a convergence where every silk article stands as a testament to the lives it touchesโ€”be it the sericulturist tending to the silk worms, the weaver at the loom, or the traveler marveling at the craftsmanship.



The journey for Mindanao's silk industry within the tourism sector is just beginning. With strong institutional support and a strategic roadmap, the nascent relationship between silk and tourism is budding into a promising enterprise.

Northern Mindanao is set to become a hub that not only showcases silk as a commodity but also tells a broader story of socio-economic development, sustainability, and cultural preservationโ€”a narrative that elevates it into a model for other regions to follow.

In conclusion, the MOA signing in Cagayan de Oro City ignites a beacon of innovation and hope for Mindanao. It's a culmination of efforts and a declaration that the region's silk industry is ready to stretch its fibers across the expanse of the tourism industry. Together, PTRI, DOST, and DOT are weaving a future where silkโ€™s luster illuminates the cultural and economic landscape, and Northern Mindanao's tourism circuit is the richer for it.

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