ILOILO City — Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel has committed to aiding
the expansion of the Philippine fiber industry into international markets.
This pledge was announced during the 2nd National Fibercrop Summit 2024, held on November 15, and organized by the DA through the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) here.
With the theme “Likhang Hibla, Bida! Weaving Heritage into Market Connections”, the summit showcased the potential of natural fibers such as abaca, pineapple leaves, cotton, and buri in both local and global markets.
While Laurel could not attend in person, DA Undersecretary for High-Value Crops Development Program Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero delivered his prepared message.
Laurel emphasized the DA’s commitment to assisting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in meeting international standards and accessing global markets.
“Expanding local and international market access is central to the department’s strategy for transforming agriculture into a profitable industry. I encourage our MSMEs to maintain high-quality standards to meet both Philippine and global market criteria,” Laurel said.
The Secretary recognized the economic significance of fibers such as abaca, pineapple, salago, and silk.
He also acknowledged their cultural and heritage value, highlighting how woven fibers reflect Filipino artistry and ingenuity.
“The country needs advocates like you who continuously uphold the value of our natural fibers. I salute our fiber crop farmers who sustain the production of these fibers,” Laurel added.
To bolster the industry, Laurel noted that the DA, through PhilFIDA, will align its efforts with fiber crop value chains by strengthening production, regulations, and policies.
Mechanization support will also be extended to ease labor-intensive processes, particularly in abaca stripping, to encourage more farmers to remain in the industry.
DA Region executive director Dennis Arpia acknowledged the challenges facing the fiber sector, including aging farmers, climate change, and global competition. He stressed the importance of unity among stakeholders to ensure sustainable income for farmers.
The summit featured an exhibit where various cooperatives and associations showcased their fiber-based products, including:
* Abai Weavers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Misamis Oriental)
* Dumingag Federated Women’s Association (Zamboanga)
* Sinai Free Farmers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (Agusan del Sur)
* Malabor Abaca-Piña Weavers Association (Tibiao, Antique)
* Bagtason Loom Weavers Association (Bugasong, Antique)
* Patnongon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Patnongon, Antique)
* Indag-an Primary Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Miag-ao, Iloilo)
The event drew participants from across the country, including DA officials, local government representatives, and stakeholders in the weaving industry. Among the attendees were DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Valicaria-Guevarra, PhilFIDA OIC Executive Director Evelyn Cagasan, and former Iloilo City Councilor Jay Treñas, representing Mayor Jerry Treñas./PN
