Sablan silk farmer

(In photo, Ms Ambes tending to her silk worms)

My interest was to find out how government is helping people in their livelihood to raise their income and improve their quality of life. So when I was invited by Ms. Fe Donato, field extension officer of the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) Reg I to visit a silk farmer she assists, I immediately grabbed the chance.

The farm we visited is located in Sablan, Benguet and as in most farms in the province, it is located on the slope of a mountain. Fortunately it was not hard to reach.

The farm is owned by the Ambes couple. It turned out that they are the only ones now continuing with silk farming in Sablan after most of those who tried it gave up. They were initially formed as a cooperative but because there were many problems encountered by the members, mostly sourcing mulberry leaves to feed the worms, all of them gave up. The Ambes were fortunate that they have a piece of land to grow their own mulberry trees and could also source from some nearby places. Their farm being situated on a steep slope, they also did not have much choice and so it was also by force that they had  to make a go of it.

(Photo: Mulberry trees just harvested for its leaves)

With a potentially big market for silk and its many derivative products, silk farming can be a lucrative activity. However, its promise has yet to be made a reality. Although the Ambeses are able to make a living out of silk rearing, they are far from living a comfortable life. There are many problems to be solved before the industry can take off. In fact, despite the resources spent to support the silk fiber industry, the province has not even been able to reach a production level that will sustain silk cloth production.

 

(In photo: mulberry with red edible fruit)

Where lies the problem? On one hand, I have seen the Ambes couple working hard to do well in their enterprise. I have also seen the dedication of Ms. Donato as field extension officer in supporting the farmers. What can the farmers do to improve their productivity further? What other help can the government do beyond what it does now?

I just visited this farm for a day so I will not dare give an answer. 

Hopefully though, in the future, people involved in this activity can  manage to have a truly thriving silk industry.

  (In photo: Ms. Fe Donato of FIDA Reg I, Ms. Agustina Ambes and Mr. Ed Ambes in front of their silk rearing house)