In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen agricultural resilience and safeguard the livelihoods of Filipino farmers, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) under the leadership of Executive Director Arnold “Ali” I. Atienza and through the Research Division is conducting a week-long training workshop titled “Strengthening PhilFIDA’s Capacity in Managing Abaca Virus Diseases: From Diagnosis to Control” from November 4–7, 2025, in Quezon City.
The activity aims to enhance the technical expertise of PhilFIDA researchers and technical staff in detecting, monitoring, and managing abaca virus diseases, one of the major threats to the country’s abaca industry. Through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions, and field practicums, participants are gaining hands-on experience in virus diagnosis, transmission, and integrated management approaches. The training also features field-based diagnosis techniques using the LAMParA kit, which enables rapid on-site detection of abaca virus diseases, ensuring timely interventions in affected areas.
In addition, participants are being trained on the use of digital surveillance tools such as Epicollect and ODK and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to improve data collection, analysis, and mapping of disease distribution and hotspot areas. These technologies strengthen PhilFIDA’s capacity to conduct science-based disease management, improve the accuracy of monitoring, and develop targeted control strategies across abaca-producing regions.
This initiative underscores PhilFIDA’s unwavering commitment toward a resilient, innovative, and globally competitive fiber industry that continues to uplift farming communities across the nation.
