PhilFIDA Executive Director Arnold “Ali” I. Atienza led a technical visit to the Sorsogon Fiber Experiment Station (SFES) in San Juan, Casiguran, Sorsogon. Accompanied by his team, the visit aimed to assess fiber extraction techniques and evaluate ongoing research initiatives. Mr. Abmer O. Patricio, SFES In-Charge, facilitated the demonstration of abaca fiber extraction methods. ED Ali Atienza and his team personally engaged in fiber stripping using the Modified Abaca Stripping Knife (MASK), allowing them to gain firsthand experience of its functionality and efficiency. Additionally, they observed and tested the Mobile Portable Abaca Spindle Stripping Machine (MPASSM) to compare its capabilities with the MASK. Discussions ensued regarding the advantages and disadvantages of each method, particularly in terms of labor costs, fiber output, and quality.
Following this, Mr. Patricio led the team on a tour of the SFES facilities, where they observed abaca plantations as well as other fiber crops such as ramie and sisal. ED Ali Atienza emphasized the importance of continuing the propagation of ramie to ensure the availability of planting materials for future use. This highlights PhilFIDA’s commitment to advancing fiber extraction technologies and promoting sustainable fiber crop production in the country.
