PhilFIDA Organizes Pivotal Stakeholders' Forums in Malita, Davao Occidental, and Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur

Date Posted 24 January 2024

Abaca, often referred to as Manila hemp, stands as a vital fibercrop contributing significantly to various industries. In a significant effort to address industry challenges and foster collaboration with stakeholders, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) organized two pivotal stakeholders' forums in Malita, Davao Occidental and Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, on November 22 and 24, 2023, respectively.

Topics discussed in these forums included the salient provisions under Administrative Circular No. 12 series of 2020, shedding light on the rules and regulations on licensing, baling, tagging, marking, inspection, certification and shipment of Philippine Commercial Fibers. Detrimental effects of daratex and abaca harvesting using “Pojada” system in the abaca industry were also highlighted. Stakeholders were urged to collaborate with the agency in monitoring and controlling its proliferation in Regions XI and XIII. The overview of the abaca industry encompassed various programs and projects implemented by the agency, emphasizing initiatives like the provision of free planting materials, abaca disease management, and regulatory services. Moreover, industry perspectives were shared by the representative from NewTech Pulp Inc., who detailed the process of converting raw abaca fiber into pulp. Representatives from trading companies, including Ching Bee Trading, LPP Trading Corp., and Fibers Trading Inc., emphasized the critical need for high-quality abaca fiber to meet market demands.

Stakeholders' forums served as a crucial platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and strategic planning to empower and fortify the abaca industry in the country, ensuring its sustainability and growth. It also provided an avenue to promptly and thoughtfully address issues and concerns raised by industry stakeholders.