Last January, Philippine Textile Research Institute Benguet Office (PTRI-Benguet Office) was absorbed and reconstituted as Department of Science and Technology-Benguet.
Regardless of of the absorbance and reconstitute, the office, which is now DOST-Benguet, guaranteed that egg production for the rearing of silkworm will still continue even if it is no longer its mandate.
Provincial Director Dr. Arnold Inumpa of DOST-Benguet said that their office still has to continue egg production of silkworm due to the demand of farmers but breeding which entails research could no longer be undertaken by their office. He said their consent now is to support mature technology for viable livelihood projects.
According to Inumpa DOST-Benguet could still produce the regular production between 100 to 200 boxes per year. One box is equivalent to normally 20,000 eggs with a survival rate of 85 to 90 percent. Of the entire production, only one-fourth to one-third is being disposed, the rest are washed out. These are purchased through the Fiber Industry and Development Authority (FIDA).
The costs of silkworm diverge by silkworm phase but for the eggs it is charged at P200.00per box. Freshly hatched or first in star costs P230.00 per box, 10 days old or third in star costs P250.00 per box. The six days old or second in star silkworms are not being sold.
Silkworm egg production provides extra income in some villagers of Benguet. [via PIA]