PhilFIDA Partners with Mangyan MANACO for Abaca Farming and Beyond

Date Posted 8 November 2023

The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority Regional Office IV (PhilFIDA-RO IV) through PhilFIDA Mindoro Provincial Office, convened a meeting with the Mangyan na Nagsisikap sa Gawang Yamang Maasahan Agriculture Cooperative (Mangyan MANACO) on September 25, 2023, at the Mangyan Tribal Church Inc. Office in Brgy. Bulusan, Calapan City.

Mangyan MANACO is a cooperative comprising members from the Mangyan Indigenous People group in the municipalities of Baco, San Teodoro, Naujan, and Pinamalayan, with the majority engaged in abaca farming. The cooperative is seeking support for its abaca development project, encompassing 1,403 hectares of land to cover expenses for abaca planting materials, farm inputs, tools, labor for land preparation, and other associated costs.

During the meeting, PhilFIDA pledged to provide technical training on abaca Good Agricultural Practices and livelihood training, including abaca twining. Their commitment extends to assisting the cooperative's ongoing initiatives concerning abaca expansion, rehabilitation, and fiber marketing.

Notably, the PhilFIDA RO IV- Mindoro Provincial Office played a pivotal role in facilitating marketing assistance by connecting the cooperative with an abaca trader who purchased 500 kg of the 700 kg abaca fibers produced by the cooperative. Furthermore, the Provincial Office recommended that they submit their proposal to the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Abaca Development Council for potential funding support, with the PhilFIDA Provincial Fiber Officer offering support in proposal preparation. Additionally, they provided farm and business advisory services, exploring potential short- and long-term projects that Mangyan MANACO could embark on, including ventures in fiber trading.