2023 PhilFIDA V Regional Abaca Stakeholders' Forum Highlights Current Abaca Industry Challenges
Date Posted July 2023
On June 29, 2023, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) Regional Office V successfully conducted the Regional Abaca Stakeholders' Forum at the Patio de San Jose Resort and Convention Center, San Jose, Malilipot, Albay. The forum, led by Assistant Secretary and Concurrent OIC-Executive Director Atty. Genevieve E. Velicaria-Guevarra, CESE and OIC Regional Director of RO V, Ms. Mary Anne R. Molina. This forum provided a valuable platform for participants and stakeholders to engage in open discussions, collaborative efforts, and the identification of effective solutions and interventions to ensure the long-term sustainability of the abaca industry in the Bicol Region.
The day commenced with an enlightening presentation facilitated by Mr. Wellington D. Flores, the Planning Unit Head of ROV. Through his presentation, he shed light on the current situation of the abaca industry, highlighting the challenges that need to be addressed. Furthermore, the forum featured discussions on the performance and accomplishments of PhilFIDA RO V for FY 2022, outlined programs, projects, and activities for 2023, performance and market outlook of the abaca industry, the latest advancements in post-harvest and Fiber Engineering Technologies aimed at enhancing productivity and improving the quality of abaca fibers, and measures to determine and regulate spurious fibers, along with initiatives to improve fiber quality.
Following the insightful presentations, stakeholders actively raised their concerns, with a notable focus on the issue of the declining market price of abaca. Moreover, stakeholders requested technical training opportunities and improved access to quality planting materials.
PhilFIDA acknowledges these concerns and assures our stakeholders of our unwavering commitment to addressing them through collaborative efforts and strategic interventions. The agency recognizes the importance of working together to overcome challenges and ensure a prosperous future for the abaca industry in the Bicol Region.
