In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to advance fiber sector research, production, and education, and aligned with the Department of Agriculture’s commitment under Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. to promote sustainable and competitive agricultural practices, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) continues to strengthen community engagement through natural fiber development.
PhilFIDA Regional Office VII, through its Bohol Provincial Office personnel Ms. Shiela S. Coscos and Mr. Hermelito Malaran, conducted a two-day training on scrunch-making using maguey fiber in Brgy. Nagsulay, Lila, Bohol. Attended by 14 youth participants, one senior citizen, and three adults, signaling an effort to engage both the younger and older generations in activities related to agriculture and livelihood skills. The training provided hands-on experience in using locally available maguey fiber for value-added product development. Mr. William Galorio, president of the Lila Maguey Growers’ Association, served as the resource person, and Municipal Agriculturist Ms. Riste Pantillo expressed her support for continued collaboration.
Maguey, a plant that grows abundantly in Lila and was once a key livelihood source, holds renewed potential for community-based enterprise. Through this initiative, PhilFIDA aims to inspire the younger generation to take an interest in agriculture and fiber utilization, while supporting sustainable, eco-friendly, and biodegradable fiber production.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Arnold “Ali” I. Atienza, PhilFIDA remains committed to developing the Philippine natural fiber industry by equipping communities, especially the youth, with the knowledge and skills to transform local resources into meaningful livelihood opportunities.
