The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) recently sat down with the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-Silk Research Development Institute (DMMMSU-SRDI) to talk about the future of the country’s silk industry. The meeting was part of a bigger plan to improve and update the Philippine Silk Roadmap—a guide to help the country produce its own high-quality silk and build a stronger local industry.

As an initial step in the roadmap development process, both groups shared updates about the current state of silk production in the Philippines, including the challenges faced and new opportunities and the presentation of projected goals and targets for the next 10 to 15 years. Through the SEDA Pilipinas Program, DOST-PTRI aims to build regional capabilities for silk production across 11 regions nationwide.

Key takeaways from the dialogue highlighted the: 1) need for full government support, including the establishment of a lead agency or governing body to serve as national strategic oversight—providing the essential foundation through policy, infrastructure, and coordinated development; and, 2) the critical role of the private sector in ensuring market responsiveness, and long-term sustainability.

The successful implementation of the Philippine Silk Road will require strong leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and sustained commitment. Moving forward, the SEDA Pilipinas Program will continue to lead and convene dialogues with key players from both the public and private sectors within the SEDA Pilipinas Consortium to build a unified direction for the industry.