In line with the directive of PhilFIDA Executive Director Ali I. Atienza to promote sustainable livelihood opportunities and strengthen rural enterprises for abaca farmers, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority Regional Office V (PhilFIDA RO V), headed by OIC-Regional Director Mary Anne R. Molina, successfully conducted a 2-day Livelihood Training on Abaca Twine and Bag Making on July 15-16, 2026 in Lacag, Daraga, Albay.
The training was spearheaded by PhilFIDA Albay Provincial Office led by Provincial Fiber Officer, Engr. Brent Baltazar R. Marbella, Fiber Development Officer I Engr. Jayson Regalado and Regional Training Coordinator Mr. Edison Meneses. It was conducted in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Albay through the Albay Provincial Agricultural Office (APAO) and the Barangay Local Government Unit of Lacag. A total of 26 members of the Albay’s Finest Abaca Fiber Association (AFAFA) actively participated in the activity.
The training aimed to enhance the participants’ skills in adding value to their abaca fiber by transforming it into marketable products such as abaca twine and bags. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on demonstrations, participants learned the complete process—from semi-processing abaca fiber to crafting finished products. Skilled trainers from Malilipot, Albay shared practical techniques on fiber manipulation/semi processing and product conversion and guided participants throughout the workshop.
In her message, OIC-Regional Director Mary Anne R. Molina emphasized that value-adding is an important strategy in improving farmers’ income and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. She highlighted that empowering farmers with practical skills enables them to maximize the economic potential of abaca while encouraging abaca based entrepreneurial activity within their communities. She also underscored that the success of the training reflects the strong collaboration among PhilFIDA, the local government units, and partner organizations in advancing the development of the abaca industry.
Barangay Captain Anna Theresa N. Losiñada expressed her profound gratitude to PhilFIDA and its partners agencies, hoping that the initiative would be sustained through continuous livelihood programs that would further benefit the community.
Meanwhile, Mr. Owen N. Navia, President of the Albay’s Finest Abaca Fiber Association, shared the organization’s commitment to applying the skills gained from the training and pursuing similar capacity-building opportunities for its members.
Likewise, Mr. Daryl John O. Buenconsejo, OIC-Provincial Agriculturist pledged his support for future skills and livelihood development programs. He also encouraged local government units (LGUs) to promote and utilize locally made abaca products during official activities and events, emphasizing that government support through the use of abaca-based products can help create a stable market, strengthen the local abaca industry, and provide additional income opportunities for abaca farmers and artisan groups in the province.
To help the organization sustain its newly acquired skills and jumpstart its livelihood activities, PhilFIDA Regional Office V provided a set of twining devices, abaca fiber, and abaca twine. As their counterpart, the participants will provide the molder needed for the production process.
Through initiatives like this, PhilFIDA continues to empower abaca farming communities by promoting value addition, entrepreneurship, and inclusive rural development. By equipping farmers with practical skills and the necessary starter tools, PhilFIDA creates a more resilient communities while enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the Philippine abaca industry.
The activity concluded with a product showcase and awarding of certificates to all participants.
