In support of the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the directive of Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. to strengthen rural livelihoods through value-adding initiatives, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) through Regional Office XI conducted a three-day Livelihood Training on Tinagak Making on June 17–19, 2026 at the Tribal House Central 1, Brgy. Binugao, Toril District, Davao City.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Arnold “Ali” I. Atienza and OIC-Regional Director Joel Alcoser, PhilFIDA continues to empower abaca farming and weaving communities through capacity-building and sustainable livelihood programs. The training gathered 15 members of the Binugao Bagobo Tagabawa Women Association, mostly women, along with youth and senior citizens, who learned to transform abaca fiber into Tinagak—a value-added material used in producing sinamay and various handcrafted products.
The training featured hands-on demonstrations by Mr. Ricardo Añora, General Manager of United Maligang Farmers MPC, on proper fiber handling, Tinagak production, product costing, and market opportunities. He also expressed his willingness to purchase the association’s Tinagak products. Representing the City Agriculturist’s Office of Davao City, Mr. Efren Taypin encouraged participants to preserve their weaving traditions and assured continued support for product promotion and market linkage. Meanwhile, Mr. Nilo M. Basino, Fiber Development Officer I of PhilFIDA Davao City Provincial Office, reaffirmed PhilFIDA’s commitment to empowering abaca farmers, weavers, and Indigenous Peoples through skills development, technical assistance, and market support.
Through initiatives like this, PhilFIDA continues to promote sustainable livelihoods, preserve the cultural heritage of Indigenous communities, and strengthen the Philippine natural fibers industry—one community at a time.
