Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – Sericulture Research and Development Institute (DMMMSU-SRDI), together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has successfully launched the Shared Service Facility (SSF) for Silk Processing Project in Sapilang, Bacnotan, La Union on February 27, 2024.

This project aims to strengthen silk technology commercialization and increase the productivity and income of SRDI-assisted beneficiaries like weavers, handicraft and sericulture entrepreneur associations, faculty and staff, and private entrepreneurs through the provision of modernized cocoon and silk processing equipment and other machinery amounting to Php 14,664,286.01.

Guests from different partner agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), and Local Government Unit (LGU) from the provincial government of La Union and the municipality of Bacnotan, La Union, DMMMSU officials, and staff convened at the Filature center and witnessed the blessing of the equipment officiated followed by the cutting of the ribbon and the filature center tour where the machinery is installed.

A short program commenced at the International Convention Center (ICC) with Dr. Jomar L. Aban, the Director for R&E Publication and Instructional Development of the University Research Development and Innovation (URDI), delivering the welcome message.

Dir. Merlie D. Membrere, Provincial Director of DTI, expressed her appreciation saying that “magaganda ang products ng SRDI.” She added, “Though maraming challenges, with the help of DMMMSU, we can do it,”.

Meanwhile, on behalf of Gov. Raphaelle Veronica ‘Rafy’ Ortega-David, Executive assistant, Dr. Eleazar Belgica, delivered Gov Rafy’s message. He congratulated DMMMSU and SRDI for launching the event and said, “This event marks yet another accomplishment of DMMMSU and that it is a certified first in La Union.” He also added that DMMMSU is a beacon of research in La Union and in Region 1.

DTI RO1 Regional Director Grace Falgui-Baluyan highlighted that their intention in providing the SSF is to improve the industry of sericulture through a collaborative undertaking. She also emphasized the importance of innovation and pushing industrialization for the creation of more jobs.

Significant to the affair is the signing of the usufruct agreement by the DMMMSU President and the Regional Director of DTI. Dr. Manuel Jr. said that the equipment remains a property of DTI for the full utilization of SRDI in the processing of silk.

In response, DMMMSU President Dr. Jaime I. Manuel Jr. expressed his gratitude to all the agencies instrumental to the development of the university, particularly the DTI, DA, DOST, NEDA, and the PGLU and LGU-Bacnotan and that he expects more projects to come.

SRDI Executive Director Dr. Cristeta F. Gapuz also expressed her thanks to DTI, and to the other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the project. Also, Dr. Gapuz accepted the challenge of the Regional Director of DTI to serve more weavers and sericulture farmers not only in the region but in the whole country as well. (By Joanna Rose Angayen)