May 20, 2025 — Bacnotan, La Union
In a progressive move to bolster the country’s sericulture research and development, the Sericulture Research and Development Institute (SRDI), based at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), formalized its partnership with Aldersgate College Inc. (ACI) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held on May 20, 2025. This collaboration is not only a significant step toward advancing scientific and academic cooperation, but also a strategic component of ACI’s institutional implementation of its natural fiber initiatives, which are geared toward building local entrepreneurship ecosystems and promoting social enterprise development in rural communities in Nueva Vizcaya. At the heart of this effort is the integration of silk and other natural fibers into sustainable community-based value chains—an initiative also aligned with ACI’s active partnership with the Philippine Natural Fiber Industry Development Authority (PHIFIDA).
The event was graced by Dr. Jaime I. Manuel Jr., President of DMMMSU, and Dr. Cesar T. Medula Jr., Vice President for Research and Development and Entrepreneurship (RDE) of Aldersgate College Inc. The MOA lays the foundation for a collaborative framework to enhance academic, scientific, and entrepreneurial cooperation through strengthened research, development, and extension activities in sericulture—a vital sector with the potential to drive sustainable livelihoods and rural development in the Philippines
The SRDI, known for its pioneering work in silkworm genetics and mulberry cultivation, sees this agreement as a strategic move to revitalize the industry in Northern Luzon, where sericulture has historically played a key role in rural development.
“This partnership is a testament to our commitment to scientific advancement and community empowerment through sericulture—especially now, as the global market continues to see a steady rise in the prices of silk cocoon, silk yarn, and silk fabric,” said Dr. Manuel, reaffirming DMMMSU’s support for innovative and inclusive growth. As the host institution of SRDI, DMMMSU plays a pivotal role in leading research and extension in this specialized agricultural field.
Dr. Medula emphasized the importance of integrating local knowledge with scientific research to make sericulture a more viable source of income for rural communities. “Through this MOA, we seek to empower our academic community and local stakeholders by tapping into the wealth of knowledge and resources available at SRDI. This will help enrich instruction, enhance community outreach, promote entrepreneurship, and build capacity for sustainable silk farming.”
Under the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement, DMMMSU (through SRDI) and ACI have committed to the following joint efforts in support of sericulture development:
- Provide venues and facilities for sericulture training in both Solano, Nueva Vizcaya (ACI) and Bacnotan, La Union (DMMMSU), subject to agreed terms.
- Design and implement training programs on sericulture, including:
- Moriculture (mulberry production)
- Silkworm rearing and cocoon production
- Cocoon and silk processing
- Silk weaving and designing
- Select and coordinate participants for the training, ensuring effective scheduling and logistical support between both institutions.
- Ensure the availability of expert trainers and resource persons for each training session.
- Provide support for training materials and supplies, with both institutions contributing to the successful delivery of the programs.
- Monitor, evaluate, and follow up on training outcomes to assess effectiveness and guide continuous improvement.
- Engage in collaborative research and development initiatives focused on improving sericulture technologies, promoting innovation, and exploring sustainable and entrepreneurial practices.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to transforming sericulture into a science-driven, community-empowered industry. As the demand for sustainable products grows, institutions like ACI and DMMMSU-SRDI play a vital role in connecting academic innovation with real-world enterprise—benefiting farmers, weavers, and entrepreneurs alike.
With this collaboration, Aldersgate College reinforces its mission to lead not only in education, but in building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for the Filipino countryside.
[Left to Right] Dr.Cristeta F.Gapuz, Executive Director of DMMMSU-SRDI; Dr. Jaime I. Manuel Jr., President of DMMMSU; Dr. Cesar T. Medula Jr., VP for RDE
[Left to Right] Ms. Evangel M. Barrameda, Chief, Research & Development Division; Ms. Maricris E. Ulat, Head, Training, Information, & Communication Section; Ms. Rubilyn L. Attam, OIC for RDEC; Ms. Jovelyn De Tablan, Director CANFMMP; Ms. Janet D. Manuel, Chief Training & Technical Services Division; Dr.Cristeta F.Gapuz, Executive Director of DMMMSU-SRDI; Dr. Jaime I. Manuel Jr., President of DMMMSU; Dr. Cesar T. Medula Jr., VP for RDE; Mr. Julius Peter M. Hufalar, Head Technology Transfer, Piloting & Utilization Section, Ms. Ruth Charlyn Ramel , Director, KTTO
[Left to Right] Sitting: Dr. Cesar T. Medula Jr., VP for RDE; Dr. Jaime I. Manuel Jr., President of DMMMSU; Dr.Cristeta F.Gapuz, Executive Director of DMMMSU-SRDIStanding; Ms. Maricris E. Ulat, Head, Training, Information, & Communication Section; Mr. Julius Peter M. Hufalar, Head Technology Transfer, Piloting & Utilization Section,
[Left to Right] Sitting: Dr. Cesar T. Medula Jr., VP for RDE; Dr.Cristeta F.Gapuz, Executive Director of DMMMSU-SRDI; Ms. Jovelyn De Tablan, Director CANFMMP;Standing: Ms. Evangel M. Barrameda, Chief, Research & Development Division; Ms. Janet D. Manuel, Chief Training & Technical Services Division;Ms. Maricris E. Ulat, Head, Training, Information, & Communication Section;Dr. Crestilyn N. Damasco,
[Left to Right] Ms. Maricris E. Ulat, Head, Training, Information, & Communication Section;Ms. Ruth Charlyn Ramel , Director, KTTO; Dr. Cesar T. Medula Jr., VP for RDE; Ms. Rubilyn L. Attam, OIC for RDEC; Ms. Jovelyn De Tablan, Director CANFMMP
