On 29 February 2024, the City of Cagayan de Oro will host a milestone event for the Philippine silk industry - the 5th Philippine Silk Summit. Organized by the Department of Science and Technology's Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), the summit brings together key stakeholders across the silk value chain intending to strengthen cooperation and work towards a sustainable and self-sufficient Philippine silk sector.  

With the theme "Spinning Innovations for Philippine Silk", this year's summit seeks to facilitate collaboration and unite stakeholders around a shared vision for realizing the potential of Philippine silk. It also marks the first time the event will take place outside of Metro Manila, reflecting the growth of silk production capabilities across different regions.  

The summit will also host policymakers, researchers, silk producers, weavers, fashion designers, and other downstream partners to identify challenges, surface solutions, and align priorities to develop an actionable roadmap for the industry. By bringing together public and private stakeholders, the summit reflects the collaborative approach deemed necessary to create a robust and equitable Philippine silk sector. 

A major highlight of the summit is the launch of the new Silk Innovation Hub in Misamis Oriental, the first such facility in Mindanao. Equipped with machinery to process silk from cocoons to silk yarn, the hub represents an important milestone in decentralizing and expanding regional capacity for Philippine silk. Together with recently established hubs in other areas like Northern Mindanao and Western Visayas, these facilities aim to directly contribute to the goal of national silk self-sufficiency. 

Moreover, the summit will feature the SEDA Pilipinas Exhibition, showcasing the skills of local weavers who play a vital role in the silk value chain. From traditional weaving to contemporary fashion pieces, this exhibition celebrates the versatility of silk while highlighting its cultural and economic significance in the region. Visitors will also gain insights into the value chain of silk production, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices. 

Central to the summit agenda is the ceremonial exchange of Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) and Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) between DOST-PTRI and various public and private organizations. These partnerships are instrumental in advancing the Philippine silk industry by leveraging individual expertise, capabilities, and resources to promote innovation and sustainability. 

Furthermore, the Philippine Silk Stakeholders' Forum will provide a platform for dialogue among current and potential stakeholders. Through presentations on the SEDA Pilipinas roadmap and industry accomplishments, stakeholders will gain valuable insights into the current state of the Philippine silk industry. Discussions will focus on increasing support for mulberry plantations, silk cocoon production, processing, and product development, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. 

On the same day, the Silk Stakeholders’ Night will facilitate the rekindling of connections, spark conversations, sharing of best practices, and expansion of networking opportunities in the development of Philippine silk. Expected attendees include seri-farmers, handloom weavers, designers, and representatives from the academe and local government offices. 

The events after the Summit provide a special opportunity to visit DOST-PTRI's Philippine silk innovation and production facility. As the only silk processing site in Mindanao, it offers to witness the technology-assisted change from agricultural to industrial silk production. The tour also involves visiting communities of women and elders who have long-built expertise. This has given the confidence in achieving top silk cocoon harvesting in Northern Mindanao and the country's sole skilled pure silk handloom weaving enterprises. Visiting these important partner sites can enable a better understanding of the processes, best practices, challenges, and opportunities in the industry. 

In the past five years, the landscape of the Philippine silk industry has seen growth and development. The emergence of Silk Innovation Hubs strategically located across the country stands as a testament to the government's commitment to bolstering regional capabilities in the pursuit of Philippine silk sufficiency. These hubs have not only attracted increased interest and engagement from stakeholders along the silk value chain but have also gained support from policymakers. 

As the Philippine silk industry continues to evolve, the 5th Philippine Silk Summit stands as a beacon of collaboration and innovation. By fostering partnerships, showcasing silk innovations, and addressing key industry challenges, the summit aims to propel the Philippine silk industry toward a future of sustainable growth and global recognition. 

For more information about the 5th Philippine Silk Summit and DOST-PTRI's programs and services, visit and follow DOST-PTRI's social media accounts or check out www.ptri.dost.gov.ph.