On January 24, 2025, PhilFIDA Executive Director Arnold “Ali” I. Atienza represented the Department of Agriculture Secretary, Hon. Francisco Laurel Tiu Jr., at the Grand Opening of the Model A and B Renewable Energy-Based (RE) Abaca Processing Facilities in Barangay Sinai and Kolambogan, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. Implemented by Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits (ECOWEB), and funded by Arbeiterwohlfahrt International e.V. (AWO) International, Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung o Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH), these state-of-the-art facilities utilize renewable energy to optimize abaca production, improve processing efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.

In his message, Executive Director Atienza emphasized PhilFIDA’s commitment to collaboration and outreach, ensuring equitable benefits for farmers and stakeholders. He highlighted the potential of abaca through value-adding and product improvement, noting its high market price as a key driver for uplifting farmers’ livelihoods and fostering a resilient abaca industry.

PhilFIDA remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting abaca farmers and stakeholders through collaboration and innovative initiatives. This effort aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to promote the fiber sector research, production, education, and trade regulation, enabling the agency to seize new growth prospects and further strengthen the industry.

The event gathered farmer-beneficiaries, representatives from the Local Government Unit of Sibagat, and officials from national agencies, including the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to celebrate this significant milestone in sustainable abaca development.

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