Silk

Silk is extruded by a domesticated silkworm known as Bombyx mori, which feeds solely on mulberry leaves.

Silk is regarded as the queen of fabrics because of its beauty and elegance. Compared with other man-made natural fibers, silk has excellent characteristics which makes it a supreme fabric material in the textile industry. It is the strongest and lightest natural fiber and it has great elasticity, resilience and warmth.



USES/APPLICATIONS:

SILK - Fabrics for mens' and womens' wear and traditional costumes: (barong Tagalog, kimonos, sarees, wedding gowns, evening dresses, mens' suit, shirts) Accessories: (scarves, neckties, veils, hats, gloves, handkerchiefs) Home furnishings: (beddings, drapery, bed and table linens, cushion covers) Industrial and other purposes: (sewing threads, typewriter and computer ribbons, surgical sutures, silk parachutes)
COCOONS - Topiaries, leis, flowers, corsages and other home decor and novelty items.
 

INDUSTRY SECTORS: (2006)
Mulberry farmers - 361
Cocoon reelers - 2


TOTAL MULBERRY HECTARAGE: (2006)
249.0 hectares



AVERAGE DRIED COCOON PRODUCTION: (1997 - 2006)
6,391 kgs.
 

MAJOR PRODUCING PROVINCES:
Negros Occidental, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Benguet, La Union

AVERAGE EXPORTS: (1997-2006)

VOLUME (in sq. m.)

VALUE: (IN FOB US$) (in FOB US$)

Silk fabrics (re-exports)

54,698

$926,254

MAJOR IMPORTING COUNTRIES:
Silk fabrics - France, South Korea, U.S.A., Spain, Japan, U.K.
 

OPPORTUNITIES AND PROSPECTS/DEVELOPMANTS
INDUSTRY STRUCTURE                   FIDA PROGRAMS