FUTD and PhilFIDA RO X Undertake Fiber Extraction of Seed-derived Abaca Plants in Misamis Oriental
Date Posted September 2023
On August 14 to 16, 2023, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) through the Fiber Utilization Technology Division (FUTD) embarked on a significant initiative, assisted by PhilFIDA Regional Office X personnel under the guidance of OIC Regional Director, Eugene N. Galela. The team, led by Mr. Mark Kevin C. Sapida and Mr. Elvince T. Bernardo, both Chemists from FUTD, administered the meticulous extraction of fibers from matured seed-derived abaca plants following the division’s established protocol, in Barangay Sibantang, Talisayan, Misamis Oriental. This extraction took place within the expansive 100-hectare abaca plantation established among coconut areas — a key facet of the Abaca Plantation Under Coconut Areas Project (APUCAP) in 2021.
The primary objective of this endeavor was to extract fibers from the abaca plants, which would subsequently undergo rigorous laboratory testing to characterize their physical properties Specifically, the extracted fibers are expected to be subjected to comprehensive testing, focused on the determination of their tensile strength and pulp recovery. The results obtained from these tests hold immense significance for the abaca industry.
Assisted by the dedicated PhilFIDA Regional Office X personnel, including Technical Assistance Unit Head, Ms. Percy Salugsugan, and technical staff members Mr. Mark Lloyd Ytang and Mr. Junerence Fame Caculba, the team's efforts play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless continuation of the agency’s program—focused on both the production and distribution of abaca seed-derived planting materials. Central to this program is the provision of high-quality planting materials to the agency's valued stakeholders.
The outcome of the laboratory tests will guide decisions, enable fine-tuning of processes, and bolster the agency’s commitment to providing high-quality planting materials to our stakeholders while advancing the production and distribution of high-quality abaca planting materials.
