The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority – Regional Office VII (PhilFIDA RO VII) officially launched the 2025 Abaca Disease Management Project (ADMP) in Sitio Mabigo, Barangay Lag-it, Tayasan, Negros Oriental. The launch included a Farmers’ Training and Information Dissemination activity aimed at strengthening disease control measures and revitalizing the local abaca industry. A total of 53 farmers participated, along with key municipal officials, including Municipal Agriculturist Mr. Marcial L. Taub, Jr., MDRRMO Officer Mr. Ramil Guardario, and Sanitary Inspector Mr. Nilo Jainar.
PhilFIDA RO VII’s Mr. Jose Dary Locsin, along with Ms. Nena Locsin and Mr. Cleiford Suante, led lectures and field demonstrations covering cultural management practices, identification and control of abaca diseases, chemical safety procedures, and implementation of ADMP protocols. The training also featured hands-on demonstrations in disease management, equipping farmers with practical knowledge to protect and sustain their abaca farms.
To ensure safety and efficiency in field operations, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was distributed to farm workers engaged in disease control and maintenance tasks. This initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance research and development in the fiber sector and aligns with the Department of Agriculture’s vision under Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. to promote sustainable and inclusive agriculture.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Arnold “Ali” I. Atienza, PhilFIDA continues to empower local communities through knowledge sharing and capacity-building—transforming natural fiber resources into resilient and sustainable livelihoods.
