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Item Acceptability assessment of a locally developed onion harvester hand tractor in La Union, Philippines(E3S Web of Conferences, 2023) Abad, Rosalinda L.; Buccat, Hipolito C.; Tam-awen, Zion Jemillinium S.; Pagaduan, Jessica A.Onion farmers’ attitude toward a locally developed onion harvester in the Philippines has been unstudied due to the unavailability of the machine. Based on a respondent of 26 onion farmers, an acceptability assessment of the onion harvester was implemented. Data were gathered using questionnaires at two activities of actual hands-on operation and lectures and analyzed using fisher’s exact test. The ease of operation, cleaning and maintenance, safety of operation, ease of transport, technical field performance, adaptability, and investment viability were relevant attributes used in the acceptability of the onion harvester. The majority of the respondents positively accept the onion harvester. The user operation, cleaning and maintenance, ease of transport, adaptability, and investment viability are correlated positively to the willingness to buy or rent the machine. Conversely, user safety, technical performance, and aesthetics are not correlated with adoption. Since 38.5% of the farmers have no hand tractor, the preferred acquisition is renting the onion harvester.Item Urban storytelling as human capital:(Ianna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2026-01) Jarata, Jesus Rafael B.Background: Internal migration is a primary driver of urbanisation in the Philippines, yet the lived realities of rural-to-urban migrants—particularly those in the informal economy—are often marginalised in dominant urban discourses. While the pursuit of economic opportunity drives migration, it simultaneously creates a complex urban landscape where migrants must navigate exclusion and precarity. Objective: This study investigates how internal migrants utilise narrative practices as a strategic resource to navigate economic instability, cultivate social networks, and assert a sense of belonging within the urban environment. Methodology: Adopting a qualitative narrative inquiry framework, the study purposively sampled ten internal migrants engaged in informal-sector labour. Data were collected between January and March 2025 through semi-structured interviews and collaborative story-sharing circles. A thematic narrative analysis was employed to decode recurring story arcs, metaphorical devices, and symbolic expressions. Results: Findings indicate that storytelling serves as a critical communicative strategy for building trust, mobilising communal resources, and navigating public institutions. Participants utilised narratives to reframe vulnerability as resilience and to negotiate the city’s symbolic and material boundaries. Furthermore, storytelling acts as a tool for "placemaking," allowing migrants to construct distinct urban identities and claim spaces of belonging. Conclusion: The study concludes that for internal migrants, storytelling functions as both symbolic capital and symbolic labour. In the absence of formal credentials, narratives provide the legitimacy required for survival and belonging. However, these practices also reveal "unsettling social fields" where migrant resilience is under constant scrutiny and systemic struggle. Unique Contribution: This research advances urban and communication studies by recasting storytelling as a functional form of human capital. By centring narrative agency, the study offers a new framework for understanding how marginalised populations actively shape urban futures rather than existing as passive subjects of development. Key Recommendation: Policy-makers and urban planners should move toward participatory models that recognize migrants as co-creators of the city. Future research should explore how integrating migrant narratives into community-based programs can foster more equitable and inclusive urban governance.Item Leaf and stem anatomy and wood fiber morphology of Seriales (Flacourtia jangomas) at different elevations in La Union, Philippines(Annals of Tropical Research, July - December 2025) Soriano, Reynalene M.; Camacho, Claudine F.; Olbinado-Quillope, Ruby Anne G.; Cortado, Jay Mark G.; Villareal, Jayric F.Seriales is an underutilized Philippine (Flacourtia jangomas) indigenous fruit tree with ecological and economic potential but limited anatomical evidence across elevation gradients. We quantified leaf and stem anatomy and wood fiber morphology across three low-elevation bands in La Union, Philippines (55–70masl, 71–85masl and 86–100masl). Mature leaves and young stems of F. jangomas were collected, stained, and observed for their leaf and stem anatomical measurements. Wood fibers were macerated and analyzed for fiber length, diameter, lumen diameter, and derived indices. Several leaf traits varied significantly with elevation: lamina and palisade mesophyll were greatest at the lowest site and declined upslope, whereas lower cuticle/epidermis, sclerenchyma, collenchyma, phloem, and collenchyma layers also differed among sites. In contrast, upper cuticle/epidermis, leaf xylem, and spongy mesophyll (~260–303μm) were not significantly different, suggesting conserved internal gas-exchange capacity. Stem anatomy showed decreasing cortex thickness and layer number with elevation, but increasing xylem thickness. Epidermal hairs were longer at the highest site. Wood fiber length shows values similar to tropical species, while mid-elevation trees had smaller fiber and lumen diameters, yielding higher density. High Runkel ratios (>1), low flexibility, and low slenderness indicate poor suitability for pulp and papermaking, but support use for durable woodcraft and small furniture. Overall, F. jangomas exhibits anatomical plasticity within a narrow lowland gradient, showing its resilience and value for lowland agroforestry. This study also highlights the need for conservation of this species and further studies that focus on the effect of climatic factors and stressors.Item Levels of Galiang (Xanthosoma saggitifolium) corm meal as replacement of corn in broiler ration(International Journal of Agricultural Technology, 2026-01) Aglipay, Medelyn A.; Rodriguez, Cynthia M.; Aspiras, Mary FeGaliang Corm Meal is one nutrient-dense feed ingredient that is a potential partial substitute for corn. Corn contains 4.38% crude protein, 2.61% crude fiber, 1.25% ether extract, 4.68% minerals & 8.08% moisture while GCM may be better than corn since both were used together to formulate feed; hen flock bands had larger final body weights (1.565 kg) and were heavier than their counterparts receiving only corn weight gain (1.518 kg) at the end of the feeding trial. Statistically significant was revealed more feed consumed by birds compared to others with the lowest amount of feed needed/kg gain for birds that received GCM at 50% inclusion level. GCM added between 25%-75% levels resulted in growth performance, feed usage efficiency & carcass yield of broilers that were fed both products compared to commercial rations. Economically GCM available at a 50% substitution level provided the highest gross margin/bird making this level of dietary inclusion the best cost benefit ratio of the dietary treatments evaluated.Item Comparative analysis of skills in pickleball and lawn tennis(International Research Journal of Multidisciplinary Scope (IRJMS), 2026) Demot, Ana Maria L.This study evaluated the health profiles and body mass index (BMI) of older individuals while comparing their skill levels in pickleball and lawn tennis, with emphasis on serving, dinking, volleying, forehand, and backhand techniques. Twenty individuals, ten from Agoo, La Union, Philippines and ten from Asingan, Pangasinan, Philippines who were 60 years of age or older, were purposefully chosen. A questionnaire and skill evaluations utilizing the USAPA Player Skill Rating Definitions were used to gather data, which were then assessed by seasoned coaches and senior technical officials. Descriptive statistics analyzed BMI and health conditions, weighted means assessed skill levels, and the MannWhitney U test determined significant differences between the sports. Results showed that 80% of participants had normal BMI, with common health concerns including eyesight problems (55%), arthritis (45%), and diabetes (20%), suggesting that regular participation in racket sports supports physical health and functional independence. Skill assessments revealed that pickleball players generally achieved higher ratings in serving, volleying, and forehand classified as “Advanced Competitive”, while lawn tennis players excelled in forehand due to repeated rallying and servevolley drills, with overall skill levels classified as “Advanced Intermediate.” Significant differences were observed in serving, dinking, backhand, and forehand skills, reflecting the distinct technical demands of each sport, while volleying showed no significant difference. These findings highlight that engagement in racket sports enhances technical proficiency, coordination, reaction time, and overall physical and mental well-being in older adults, supporting their inclusion in community-based recreational programs to promote healthy aging.Item Narratives of learning:(International Journal on Culture, History, and Religion, 2025) Wakit, Linette T.; Budeng, Rinarose B.; Cagurangan, Pilipina; Castillo, Maricar M.; Agbayani, Janelyn I.; Merza, Hartwell Norman M.This study investigates the integration of AI tools in English and Philippine literature instruction, focusing on teachers' experiences, pedagogical shifts, and professional development. Utilizing a phenomenological approach, data were gathered through interviews, focus groups, and classroom observations to understand the impact of AI on teaching strategies and student engagement. The findings reveal that while AI tools enhance literature instruction by making texts more interactive and accessible, challenges such as technical issues and the digital divide persist. Teachers adapted their methods, blending traditional and AI-enhanced techniques to maintain critical thinking skills. The study underscores the necessity of continuous professional development and institutional support for effective AI integration in literature education.Item Enhancing language instruction:(Diversitas Journal, 2024-07-25) Ancheta, Oscar O., Jr.; Ochoco, Cedric Anthony E.This study investigates the implementation of Mother Tongue -Based Multilingual Education (MTBMLE) in urban educational settings, focusing on its application in the laboratory elementary schools of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University. The research highlights the complexities of effectively delivering first language (L1) instruction. It underscores the critical need for targeted teacher training, localized instructional resources, and enhanced human, material, and financial support. While the study reveals a high level of awareness about MTB-MLE objectives, it also identifies significant gaps in the actual implementation and support for L1 instruction. These findings underscore the urgent necessity of prioritizing MTB-MLE initiatives to promote multilingualism and improve the overall learning environment in urban schools .Item Performance evaluation of a mechanically-aided cocoon deflosser(DMMMSU Research and Extension Journal, 2024-12) Macadaeg, Fatima RodriguezSericulture products such as woven linen and novelty items were already sold at the market at premium-priced commodities. However, it was not given emphasis and sustainable support. One of the problems identified is the availability of cocoon silk production machinery and equipment. Humans can defloss 2 to 3 kg or 900 to 1,600 pieces of cocoon in an hour. Therefore, cocoon delfossing is a tiresome laborious job. This contributes to the market's poor production of silk and novelty items. Hence, a cocoon deflossing machine with a higher deflossing capacity than a manual is needed. To address this concern, a mechanically aided cocoon deflossing machine was designed, fabricated, and evaluated. Performance evaluation of the machine shows that it lessens deflossing cost from USD 0.53 /kg manual deflossing to USD 0.47/kg. It has a capacity of 4.80 kg/hr and 2,374 pieces of cocoons per hour.Item Multivoltine and bivoltine silkworm F₁ hybrids adaptable to type one (1) climatic conditions in the Philippines(The Korean Society of Sericultural Sciences International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials, 2023-09-30) Viduya, Marlyn M.; Ulat, Maricris E.; Supsup, Gemma E.; Abuan, Julieta P.; Sanchez, Edgar P.; Supsup, Roel D.The eighteen (18) F1 hybrid combinations were tested to identify potential combinations adaptable to type 1 climatic conditions in the Philippines. The six (6) bivoltine purelines (DMMMSU 108, DMMMSU 109, DMMMSU 110, DMMMSU 111, DMMMSU 113, and DMMMSU 119); and three (3) multivoltine purelines (DMMMSU 1000, DMMMSU 1007, and DMMMSU 1014), were crossed (multivoltine x bivoltine) in a mating plan. These were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), replicated three times, and analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). A test of significance was done using ANOVA across years and Tukey's Honest Significant Difference Test (HSD). The multiple trait evaluation index (EI) method was also used in the identification of potential F1 hybrids. Three major phases were done: (1) parental rearing of multivoltine and bivoltine pure lines for breed multiplication; (2) hybridization process; and (3) evaluation of F1 hybrids. Rearing evaluations were conducted for three consecutive years. Based from the three evaluations, 10 potential crosses were identified: DMMMSU MV-12, DMMMSU MV-11, DMMMSU MV-13, DMMMSU MV-16, DMMMSU MV-07, DMMMSU MV-14, DMMMSU MV-05, DMMMSU MV-09, DMMMSU MV-03, and DMMSU MV-10. The topmost combinations with the best economic and commercial characters and are consistently adaptable during two (2) cropping seasons were DMMMSU MV-07, DMMMSU MV-12, DMMMSU MV-05, DMMMSU MV-09 and DMMMSU MV-11. These newly-identified F1 hybrids are considered potential breeds that could improve cocoon production.Item Screening of mulberry varieties for larval growth, cocoon yield, and quality through silkworm rearing(Korean Society Of Sericultural Science, 2023) Dacayanan, Merlita A.; Damasco, Crestilyn N.; Libunao, Jarson P.; Sampaga, Mario B.; Galano, Edna A.Mulberry (Morus spp.) production is a vital activity in sericulture along with rearing of silkworms (Bombyx mori L.) for silk production. The Sericulture Research and Development Institute (SRDI) conducted a study that evaluated 11 mulberry varieties, including nine newly-evolved mulberry hybrids and two check varieties. These mulberry varieties were fed to silkworm hybrid, DMMMSU 115 x 100. The rearing performance of DMMMSU 115 x 100 was determined based on the silkworm economic traits such as weight of 10 matured larvae, cocoon weight, shell weight, shell percentage, cocoon yield, reelability percentage, filament length and filament size. Six silkworm rearing trials were conducted with 50 silkworm larvae per treatment in three replicates. The data were analyzed in a one-way Analysis of Variance. Significant differences were tested further using Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference. Mulberry varieties that garnered an evaluation index value of higher than 50 were identified and selected. Results of the study revealed significant variations among the mulberry varieties based on the parameters gathered except on the reelability of cocoons, filament length and size. Matured silkworm larvae fed with Alf 55 were significantly heavier and higher cocoon yield compared to those fed with Alfonso and S54. Alf 32, Alf 55, Alf 58, Bat 37 and Bat 73 were identified as potential varieties and highly recommended as feed for the silkworm hybrid, DMMMSU 115 x DMMMSU 100.Item Improving the quality of silk yarn and fabric using various edible oils during pre-treatment(International Journal of Biosciences, 2022) Gaudia, Garizaldy G.; Cabrera, Excel V.Silk, being the “queen of textiles”, passes through various procedures to ensure its quality. Pre-treatment is the process of soaking raw silk in a solution consisting of soap, oil, and water. Its primary purpose is to smoothen and elasticize the raw silk to expedite throwing operations. This paper aimed to modify the soaking solution for raw silk being used at DMMMSU-Sericulture Research and Development Institute, to improve the quality of fabric produced. The study utilized an experimental research design, using raw silk from silkworm hybrid DMMMSU 406. Pre-treatment was done using three types of edible oils such as castor oil, corn oil, and coconut oil as soaking agents with a material liquor ratio of 1:4:5:6. All the treatments passed the standards for breaking strength, dimensional change, and colorfastness. Results revealed that coconut oil had the lowest registered number of breaks, and the highest registered reflectance percentage. The same treatment also performed better in terms of cleanness, evenness, and neatness test.Item DEH-DoSv6:(Bulletin of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, 2021-02) Naagas, Marlon A.; Malicdem, Alvin R.; Palaoag, Thelma D.With the rapid depletion of IPv4 protocol in these recent years, the IETF introduced IPv6 as a solution to address the exhaustion, however, as a new protocol exists, new characteristics have been introduced and new threats have been discovered. Extension Headers are the new characteristics of IPv6 that have an emerging and re-emerging security threats that is needed to be taken into consideration during the full migration to the IPv6 network. This study revealed that up to this moment, the popular vendors are still vulnerable and doesn’t have any default protection to deal with extension headers’ Denial of Service Attack (DoS). Also, this study leads to the development of new security model which creates a new solution to address the emerging threats of IPv6 extension headers’ Denial of Service Attack. Moreover, the results of this study show that our proposed security model is more effective in terms of neutralizing the unwanted traffic causing evasion attack by filtering, rate-limiting and discarding the malformed packets of prohibited extension headers’ payload versus the traditional router protection.Item Diversity assessment of fruit-bearing tree species in Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University forest reserve(Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES), 2024-03-18) Lozano, Angelo L.; Gimeno, Mark Jerome L.; Poclis, Cindy E.; Villareal, Jayric F.; Cortado, Mark G.This study was conducted to determine the diversity of fruit-bearing tree species in Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) Forest Reserve. Specifically, the study aimed to inventory the fruit bearing tree species present in DMMMSU Forest Reserve, classify the fruit-bearing tree species in the study area, identify their conservation status, compute their importance value, and determine their distribution through diversity indices. There were 12 quadrats established with a dimension of 20 m x 20 m each. The study area was selected based on the presence of wide range of vegetation in DMMMSU Forest Reserve. There are 473 individual species identified at DMMMSU Forest Reserve belonging to 14 families with 24 species. One species recorded, Tectona philippinensis Benth. & Hook. f. Verbenaceae, was listed as endangered species. Coffea spp. had the highest density and importance value, and Mangifera indica L. had the highest frequency. The diversity indices had a relative value of moderate and high degree of diversity. Continuous protection of the Forest Reserve is therefore recommended. Planting of additional fruit-bearing tree species in the area with low diversity indices are recommended to increase diversity. Areas within the Forest Reserve with low plant diversity were recommended for planting and assisted natural regeneration programs using species with high importance value. Regular monitoring should be conducted in the Forest Reserve to assess the changes in diversity of fruit-bearing tree species to support decision-making and policy formulations.Item Improved feed efficiency and nutritional property effects of honey from Apis mellifera L. as an additive for broiler chickens’ drinking water(DMMMSU Research and Extension Journal, 2023-12) Tattao, Rosemarie O.; Panas, Joseph A.; de Castro, David T.; Soliba, Mishima P.; Calimpang, Ison A.; Pajarillo, Rolyne Mae C.Antimicrobial usage is particularly high in poultry production. Honey as a water supplement to poultry has been explored as a natural and safe antibiotic alternative. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of honey as a water supplement on broilers' growth performance and chemical properties. Five dietary treatments were used: no supplement (T1), commercial electrolytes (T2), 5mL honey (T3), (7.5mL honey (T4), and 10mL honey (T5) per liter of water. The experiment used 150 1-day-old Cobb-400 broiler chicks, assigned to five treatments with three replications of ten (10) birds each (N=30) employing the Complete Block Design (RCBD) in three blocks. Results indicated that 5mL/L-10mL/L honey supplementation led to a significant (p < 0.05) decrease of 4.3% to 7% in feed consumption compared to those with electrolytes. Similarly, using 5mL/L of honey showed 12.5% lower FCR compared with T2 and 24.3% compared with T1. However, a higher level of honey was comparable to T2, indicating that honey supplementation improved feed utilization and reduced feed cost at a certain level. Results of the proximate analysis, particularly on moisture content (MC), crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), and total carbohydrates ((TC), revealed numerical differences. Samples with 5mL/L to 7.5mL/L levels of honey showed a higher MC, CP, and TC content and lower CF than T2. This implies that honey as a drinking water supplement offers practical advantages in feed consumption and efficiency and in improving the chemical and nutritional properties of chicken meat. A choice for healthier production.Item On-station yield trial evaluation of promising silkworm hybrids in the Philippines(International Journal of Biosciences, 2024-10-06) Supsup, Gemma E.; Abuan, Julieta P.; Ulat, Maricris E.; Viduya, Marlyn M.; Sanchez, Marybel L.; Supsup, Roel D.On-station silkworm rearing trials were done in three distinct seasons (January-February, April-May, and July-August) at the Sericulture Research and Development Institute in Bacnotan, La Union, Philippines to evaluate the cocoon yield and quality of the five (5) newly-developed bivoltine silkworm hybrids (DMMMSU 108 x DMMMSU 119, DMMMSU 110 x DMMMSU 113, DMMMSU 110 x DMMMSU 119, DMMMSU 119 x DMMMSU 110), and DMMMSU 119 x DMMMSU 108). These were compared to the local single cross bivoltine hybrid, DMMMSU 222in terms of cocoon characteristics such as cocoon yield, effective rearing rate, single cocoon weight, and cocoon shell percentage. The data gathered were statistically analyzed using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) was used to test the significance among all the hybrids and against the control hybrid. The results revealed variations in the performance of the different hybrids on cocoon characters and in different rearing seasons. Among the five new hybrids, DMMMSU 119 x DMMMSU 108 consistently performed better than the controlin terms of effective rearing rate (ERR) and cocoon yield per box (CYPB), particularly in the July–August and January–February seasons. DMMMSU 108 x DMMMSU 119 also performed better over the control hybrid when reared in the April to May and July to August rearing seasons. DMMMSU 110 x DMMMSU 119 performed betterthan the control hybrid during the January to February rearing season. Overall, these hybrids are recommended for further trials in the farmer’s field for validation.Item Year round royal jelly production determining the best season of producing royal jelly(DMMMSU Research and Extension Journal, 2020-12-01) Tuyan, Arvin C.; Claro, Rizalde A.; Dulay, Lolita S.This research was conceptualized to determine the preeminent season for the production of royal jelly from the honeybee Apis mellifera. Three strong double-chambered colonies of equal strength were utilized throughout the duration of the study and the grafting method was applied to facilitate the production of the jelly by the bees. Royal jelly can be produced at any time of year provided that all the necessary requirements of the colonies are available. Research results revealed that the highest yield was obtained during the months of April and May, which coincides with the honey production season, wherein an abundant supply of food for the bees is available. Accordingly, production of royal jelly is best when there are sufficient quantity of pollen and nectar for the colonies and it is important therefore to note the honeyflow season in a particular area as basis for production.Item Sericulture:(Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences, 2023-10) Almojuela, Conchita M.; Ancheta, Roberto H.; Galiste, Emerita D.; Dacayanan, Gerardo P.The best sericulture technologies were tested in Calungbuyan, Balaoan, La Union, Philippines by the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University Sericulture Research and Development Institute (DMMMSU-SRDI) to improve the socio-economic standing of marginal farmers, provide community members with gainful employment, and satisfy domestic and international costumers’ demand for silk. The project applied various production strategies, such as plot sapling production, mulberry production in the lowland rain-fed area, and synchronized and sanitized silkworm rearing. The farmer cooperator reared 50 batches of silkworms consisting of 51.10 boxes of fourth-instar larvae from 2011 to 2020, which consumed approximately 27,898 kg of fresh mulberry leaves with a total production cost of PHP 149,640.63. With an average cocoon yield of 20.85 kg per box, the total yield of fresh cocoons was 1,065.60 kg which amounted to PHP 185,178.00. An average ROI of 20.36% was achieved with a total net income of PHP 35,537.38. Along with producing cocoons, additional income from fuel wood and mulberry saplings was obtained, with a total production cost of PHP 12,160.00 and an ROI of 72.70%. Sapling production, composting of seri-wastes, and utilization of clipped mulberry stems were examples of by-product development. Composted silkworm rearing wastes and litter are used as fertilizer for mulberry plantations and media for mushroom production. Family members and community people were hired by the project for a total of 134.01 and 341.71 man-days, respectively. The revenue generated from cocoon production was used to supplement basic requirements for the family, pay the farm workers, and buy medicines. A portion of the cash was used by the farmer to purchase agricultural equipment and more breeding animals to enhance outputs even more. These SRDI best practices have been proven to raise agricultural income and production.Item Community-based apiculture enterprise:(DMMMSU Research and Extension Journal, 2023-12) Bondot, George T.; Masiong, Pablo L.; Antolin, Merlito T.Beekeeping projects fail due to several factors, including insufficient food supply (nectar and pollen) and the presence of pests and diseases, among others. Hence, rapid appraisal of bee pasture areas is vital for the success of an apiary establishment. The study aimed to rapidly assess the communities’ potential for apiculture enterprise, specifically in the municipalities of Tubod, Lala, and Sapad, Lanao del Norte, Philippines. Gathered data and information were recorded through on-site ocular inspection and interviews with some community folks using the rapid appraisal instrument. Results revealed that the communities in the municipalities of Tubod (44.78) and Sapad (43.80) were appraised to be favorable for apiculture enterprise, while the communities in the municipality of Lala (41.80) were appraised neutral for apiculture enterprise. The appraised resource factor parameters favorable for apiculture were; vegetation for bee foraging, the area available for bee foraging, road accessibility, transportation services, electricity service, and irrigation facilities. Other factors were neutral, with a few appraised as less favorable but could easily be made favorable with appropriate management intervention. The importance of rapid appraisal results of the study served as baseline information in providing timely, relevant, and actionable information that supports effective decision-making and response efforts in future beekeeping project establishment.Item Elevating sericulture:(Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences, 2025-02) Apilado, Leonora P.; Hufalar, Julius Peter M.; Nillo, Rofolfo G.The Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University Sericulture Research and Development Institute (DMMMSU-SRDI) in Bacnotan, La Union, Philippines, advocates the application of optimal sericulture techniques at extension sites to boost the income of seri-farmers, particularly those from marginal sectors. A prime example is the Sericulture Demonstration Project Farm (Seri-Farm) in Barangay Lioac Sur, Naguilian, La Union, which has successfully operated for over a decade (2011–2022) and remains active today. The farm serves as a dynamic showcase of innovative sericulture technologies, promoting sustainable agriculture, rural livelihood improvement, and economic development. Seri-farmers diversified their activities, engaging in grain and vegetable farming, animal husbandry, sugarcane cultivation, and vinegar/winemaking, with sericulture as a complementary endeavor. The initiative provided employment opportunities for out-of-school youth and community workers while catering to both domestic and international silk markets. The farm’s medium-textured soil, high nutrient content, and favorable weather during most rearing seasons supported high-value cocoon production, though larval performance was affected in 2017 by disease and climate change. Over its 11-year span, the Seri-Farm achieved significant results, completing 31 rearing cycles and producing 392.7 kg of fresh cocoons, generating a total income of PhP94,935.00. Additionally, allied products such as cuttings, saplings, seeds, novelty items, fruit beverages, vinegar, wine, and compost contributed PhP176,215.00, underscoring the economic potential of integrated sericulture farming systems.Item Diversification of Philippine silk products for greater marketability and profitability(Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES), 2023-11-10) Higoy, Jocelyn Q.; Obille, Pura S.The production, saleability, profitability, and product preferences must be evaluated in order to serve as benchmark references in developing enhanced and diverse silk products that are tailored to their demands in order to increase profitability. There was a significant volume of production and sales on silk items, notably silk fabric, which remained the top sales earner, followed by sablay rentals and novelty products, earning the highest net revenue of P 306,858.14, P 98,000.00, and P 52,514.00, respectively. Sericulture product profitability demonstrated ROIs of 57.82%, 45.45%, and 30.52% for novelty goods, sablay rentals, and silk fabric, respectively. Silk fabric was loved and purchased by the majority of respondents (77.5%), followed by novelty products (18.33%). These were purchased due to the design and craftsmanship (27.4 5), color (24.17%), and general attractiveness (21.67%) of the products. These sericulture products have the potential to greatly contribute to the industry’s growth and development. Factors affecting the customers’ product preference and saleability were age, educational attainment, gender and income which indicate that customers’ purchasing decisions are influenced by their age and educational level, with mature and educated individuals appreciating craftsmanship, color, and product acceptability. Furthermore, gender significantly impacts the saleability of products hence, marketers should understand gender differences in decision-making styles, as females tend to buy more sericulture products, valuing silk as the “Queen of all Textiles”. The respondents’ higher income indicates their ability to purchase high-quality silk products, particularly silk fabrics, which are often considered more expensive than other fabrics. The study proposes that sericulture is a profitable and productive industry that can be further developed by SRDI and other small businesses through continuous improvement and product innovation