BACNOTAN, LA UNION – On January 14, 2025, the Research, Development, and Entrepreneurship (RDE) team of Aldersgate College Inc. (ACI), led by Dr. Cesar T. Medula, Vice President for Research and Development and Entrepreneurship, and Ms. Jovelyn A. Detablan, Director for Abaca Fiber and Medicinal Plant Research and Development, visited the Sericulture Research and Development Institute (SRDI) at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU). This visit, aimed at assessing the potential of sericulture as an emerging industry, aligns with ACI’s mission of empowering local communities through sustainable livelihood programs. The benchmarking activity marked a key step toward identifying opportunities for collaboration and innovation that will contribute to the economic empowerment and growth of rural communities.
SRDI, recognized as a national center of excellence, is committed to promoting socio-economic development through sustainable silk production. The institute empowers stakeholders with innovative strategies and advances high-quality silk products for both domestic and international markets. During the visit, ACI’s RDE team learned about SRDI’s best practices in sericulture technology, community extension programs, and capacity-building initiatives. These efforts are designed to enhance the livelihoods of farmers and artisans while promoting environmental sustainability.
Dr. Cristeta F. Gapuz, Executive Director of the Sericulture Research and Development Institute (SRDI), highlighted her belief in the sericulture industry’s significant potential to uplift communities. She underscored its role in enhancing livelihood development programs by maximizing community participation and leveraging local resources, ultimately boosting economic productivity. This vision aligns with fostering inclusive growth, empowering local stakeholders, and developing sustainable, industry-based skills that drive social and economic progress.
Dr. Gapuz’s insights were further supported by contributions from other SRDI experts, including: Dr. Jo-anne D. Villar, Chief of the Finance & Administrative Services Division; Ms. Evangel M. Barrameda, Chief of the Research & Development Division; Dr. Jarson P. Libunao, Head of the Mulberry Research & Development Section; Ms. Julieta P. Abuan, Head of the Silkworm Research & Development Section; Ms. Maricris E. Ulat, Head of the Training, Information & Communication Section; and Ms. Jocelyn Q. Higoy, Head of the Marketing, Socio-economics & Entrepreneurship Section.
Driven by ACI’s ultimate vision to uplift communities through research, development, and social entrepreneurship, this visit highlights the institution’s immediate interest in exploring sericulture as a viable industry for socio-economic development. Inspired by SRDI’s success in developing and promoting technologies that empower farmers and artisans, ACI seeks to tailor these practices to address the unique needs of its partner communities. By collaborating with SRDI and leveraging its expertise, ACI plans to pilot sericulture projects that can eventually be scaled to benefit more communities. The delegation from ACI during the benchmarking also included Ms. Rubilyn L. Attam, Officer-in-Charge of the Research and Development and Entrepreneurship Center (RDEC); Ms. Ruth Charlyn D. Ramel, Technology Transfer Officer; and RDE Specialists Ms. Chelsey Joy P. Dacumos and Ms. Lhyca Ann A. Sibal.












