Silk Capital of the Philippines?
That could be the new appellation of Pangil, Laguna, should the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) become successful in its efforts to promote sericulture, or the rearing of silkworms, in this town.
In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Aaron Joniel Carandang, Project Technical Assistant IV of DOST's regional office, said the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) has teamed up with the private sector to establish a silkworm-rearing facility in this town.
The PTRI recently signed a memorandum of agreement with Hills & Berries of Pangil, a subsidiary of Makati City-headquartered Magra Nutri-Foods Corporation, for the establishment of the rearing facility.
According to Carandang, Hills & Berries represents the ideal partner for this venture as it grows mulberry trees, whose leaves are silkworm's primary source of nutrients.
He explained that this collaboration marks a pivotal milestone in the project's development because it combines government and private sector resources to grow a new livelihood-producing local industry in the Calabarzon region.
Meanwhile, DOST-Calabarzon director Amelita Bagsit said she envisions a strengthened silk and natural fibers industry not only in Laguna but throughout the entirety of Calabarzon.
“Looking forward to the creation of strengthened silk and other natural fibers industry in Laguna and the entire Calabarzon,” she said in an online post.
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