The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), through its SEDA Pilipinas Program, continues to make meaningful progress in Southern Luzon as it strengthens its support for the growth of the Philippine silk industry. This effort is in close partnership with DOST Region IV-A and the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) – Siniloan Campus.

Recently, DOST-PTRI met with LSPU-Siniloan to discuss the key infrastructure and operational needs in establishing the Silk Innovation Center (SIC) in Laguna, which DOST-PTRI is committed to supporting by 2026. The university has already set aside a site that includes a silk processing facility, laying the groundwork for the Center’s future operations.

Once up, the SIC-Laguna is expected to produce around 1.7 tons of raw silk each year. This will be supported by a large network of 350,000 mulberry plants and 44 silkworm rearing houses. To keep this going, DOST Region IV-A has also set up a nearby facility to produce hybrid silkworm eggs,ensuring a steady supply of larvae for cocoon production centers such as the Galalan Sericulture Farmer Association Corporation (GSFAC) in Pangil, Laguna.

This initiative marks a big step in building a silk production ecosystem in Southern Luzon, which aims to strengthen local capabilities and promote a sustainable and inclusive silk industry in the region.