PhilFIDA-TAD Conducts Comprehensive Monitoring of Abaca Plantation under the Coconut Areas Project (APuCAP) in Region IX

Date Posted 04 January 2024

The Technical Assistance Division (TAD) of the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) consistently undertakes monitoring programs, projects, and activities (PAPs) to assess the progress and accomplishment of program and project objectives. On November 27 to December 02, 2023, the TAD conducted a monitoring initiative for the Abaca Plantation under the Coconut Areas Project (APuCAP), established in 2021 and 2023, specifically in Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur, and Mutia, Zamboanga del Norte, within Region IX.

During this monitoring, the team visited a total of 31 hectares of abaca farm areas, conducting interviews for profiling purposes. This data serves as a vital baseline for the project. A crucial aspect of the monitoring included the validation and assessment of the proposed area for establishment in Brgy. Leonardo, Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur.

Recommendations were prepared by the monitoring team with the aim of enhancing farm management and productivity. These measures were devised in anticipation of the possible establishment of a processing center in the Municipality of Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur, contingent upon the facility being awarded to the Josefina Abaca Farmers Agriculture Cooperative.

This monitoring activity for the APUCAP areas holds paramount importance in ensuring the readiness of the abaca-planted areas for the upcoming phase—the establishment of the Processing Center. This strategic step is vital to guarantee a sustainable supply of quality abaca fibers and enhance the income of coconut/abaca farmers.