Sericulture, the rearing of silkworm for the production of raw silk, is a thriving industry in Bago City that supports hundreds of farmers. Because of its potential, Silk is the One Town, One Product (OTOP) of Bago City and the banner OTOP of the Province of Negros Occidental.
The Silkworm Rearing Project in Bago City is managed by Organization for Industrial, Spiritaul and Cultural Advancement (OISCA)- International, an NGO founded and based in Japan but extends help to developing countries mostly in Asia and the Pacific with agriculture as its main thrust.
Farmers from Bago and other neighboring towns rear silkworm whose cocoons are produced into silk yarns which are used as raw material for barong and other products.
The Sericulture project of OISCA was established in 1989 in Murcia, Negros Occidental with just 50 farmers and about 20 hectares of mullberry plantation. In 2008, around 260 farmers benefited from the project with 170 hectares of land utilized for mullberry plantation.
Good results of the initial cocoon production paved the way to the establishment of a Silk Reeling Plant at the OISCA Compound in Brgy. Tabunan, Bago City which was inaugurated in 1999.
Around 80% of high quality silk products are sold to weavers in Aklan and the remaining 20% to Manila dealers. The silk byproducts, pupae and silk of lower quality, were also fully utilized into other products.
Another milestone of the project was the establishment of a Silk Showroom and Weaving Center in 2004 which was inaugurated by no less than President Gloria Arroyo in 2005. Various products made of silk were on display such as barongs, bags, table runners, etc.
Prospects for the industry is still looking up with local demand still unmet. With the continuous support from the private and public sector, the project will continue to help a lot of farmers.
Sources: www.oisca.org, Ang Bagonhon, DTI OTOP-Philippines