The Standards Division of the Fiber Industry Development Authority hosted the “Consultative-Dialogue with the Abaca Industry Sectors” last Friday, 10 June 2011 at the Tiera Oriental Hotel in Makati City.

Presided by FIDA Administrator Cecilia Gloria J. Soriano, this consultative- dialogue discussed the proposed amendments to the Grading Standards for Spindle and Hand-stripped Abaca Fibers;  identification of a common moisture meter to be used in measuring the moisture content of abaca fiber;  use of long tags and other matters.  This final leg of consultation came after the six (6) consultations held around the country by Standards Chief Danilo E. Ocayo.

It was also during this event that the members of the National Task Force on Fiber Quality was presented by  Adm. Soriano.  The Task Force, created under S.O. # 198 dated 12 May 2011,  shall be responsible for ensuring the enforcement of grading standards and other standardization rules and regulations and implementation of a uniform grading system in all regions. 

          Present during the consultative-dialogue were representatives of the private sector -- traders, exporters and processors – and FIDA officials.