The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) Region 10, through its Regulatory Unit, successfully conducted the 2025 Abaca Industry Stakeholders Forum on June 27, 2025, at the Lohas Airport Hotel, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental. The forum served as a vital platform to promote PhilFIDA’s mandates—regulating and developing the fiber industry, enforcing fiber quality standards, protecting stakeholder interests, and ensuring fair trade practices. It also highlighted the importance of the licensing process for traders, classifiers, processors, buying station, and GBE, and strict compliance with the Philippine National Standards (PNS) and relevant rules to uphold the integrity, quality, and competitiveness of Philippine abaca.
Under the leadership of the OIC-Regional Director, Engr. Eugene N. Galela and OIC-Regulatory Unit Head Engr. Jonahwel L. Quiachon, the forum brought together farmers, classifiers, and traders to address production performance, pricing issues, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. The event encouraged collaboration, the adoption of technology, and a shared commitment to strengthening and uplifting the abaca industry.
In a heartfelt testimony, Mr. Mark Elnar of Greenthumbs Abaca Wholesaling expressed his deep concern for the current state of the abaca sector. He emphasized the importance of encouraging and reigniting the passion of farmers who once believed in abaca’s promise, reminding everyone that abaca has proven itself to be world-class.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Arnold ‘Ali’ I. Atienza, PhilFIDA 10 remains committed to promoting sustainable practices, enhancing market access, and empowering stakeholders through knowledge sharing and capacity-building.
