Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority

| 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲

The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), in partnership with the Office of the Provincial Agriculture of Agusan del Norte, conducted a three-day Training on Abaca Production, Disease Management, and Fiber Classification at Sitio Minbahandi, Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. The activity was attended by 27 Higaonon participants and aimed to strengthen the knowledge and technical skills of abaca farmers and stakeholders in improving production practices, managing plant diseases, and applying proper fiber classification standards to enhance fiber quality and marketability.

PhilFIDA personnel from Regional Office XIII served as resource speakers and trainers throughout the activity, delivering lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on discussions on proper site selection, land preparation, planting and maintenance, nutrient management, disease identification and control, and post-harvest handling techniques.

A key focus of the training was the prevention and management of common abaca diseases to reduce production losses. Participants were also oriented on proper farm sanitation and the use of quality planting materials to maintain healthy plantations. Sessions on fiber classification also covered grading standards based on color, texture, strength, and cleanliness to improve the quality and value of abaca fiber.

This initiative was conducted under the leadership of PhilFIDA Executive Director Arnold “Ali” I. Atienza and the support of OIC-Regional Director Samuel Nacino Jr. In line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the guidance of Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., PhilFIDA reaffirms its commitment to providing continuous technical assistance and capability-building programs that strengthen the Philippine natural fiber industry and empower abaca farmers through improved production and quality fiber-processing practices.

𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗙𝗜𝗗𝗔 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗦𝗖 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗡𝗖𝗥 – 𝗗𝗔/𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗥

The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) conducted a coordination meeting with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Field Office NCR – DA/DENR, represented by Director Mark Anthony V. Bercando, to discuss matters concerning human resource management, organizational development, and strengthened collaboration between the agencies.

The meeting served as an avenue to align initiatives and reinforce PhilFIDA’s commitment to promoting effective public service, professional growth, and responsive governance within the agency. In attendance were Executive Director Arnold Ali I. Atienza, Regional Office IV Regional Director Adil Khan, Chief of Administrative, Financial and Management Division Mr. Mario O. Garcia, OIC-Chief of Research Division Ms. Evelyn B. Cagasan, OIC-Chief of Regulatory Division Mr. Norberto T. Solano Jr., and PhilFIDA HRMDS personnel.

PhilFIDA remains steadfast in strengthening institutional partnerships in support of a more efficient, competent, and people-centered public sector.

As Catanduanes gears up for the celebration of the Abaca Festival, the province continues to prove why it is proudly recognized as the “Abaca Capital of the Philippines” under Republic Act No. 11700.

Based on the latest data from the Crops Production Survey, Catanduanes remained the country’s top abaca-producing province in 2025, contributing 20.2% of the national abaca fiber production and 87.5% of the total output in the Bicol Region.

Celebrate the strength, resilience, and heritage woven through every strand of abaca this Abaca Festival 2026!

| This National Farmers and Fisherfolk Month, PhilFIDA honors the dedication, hard work, and invaluable contribution of our farmers who continue to strengthen the country’s fiber crops industry and help sustain rural communities.

Through continuous training, capacity-building, and strengthened partnerships with local stakeholders, PhilFIDA remains committed to empowering our farming communities, improving productivity, and advancing inclusive agricultural development in line with the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the leadership of the Department of Agriculture under Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

Together, let us continue supporting and uplifting the hands that help feed and strengthen the nation.

📌 𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗡𝗔𝗡 | via Pilipino Mirror

𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗙𝗜𝗗𝗔’𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗮-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝘆

A major milestone for the Philippine abaca industry and local innovation was achieved as an abaca-based bulletproof vest underwent testing by the Philippine Army. The Tactical Aerocomp Vest, developed through the collaboration of the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority, De La Salle University, and University of the Philippines, highlights the potential of Philippine natural fibers in defense technology.

The initiative aims to demonstrate the strength, durability, and protective capability of abaca fiber as a sustainable and locally developed material for protective equipment. The prototype vest is expected to undergo further evaluation and quality testing in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and Department of National Defense.

This development showcases how Philippine abaca continues to evolve beyond traditional applications, opening opportunities in advanced technology and national defense innovation.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Arnold "Ali" I. Atienza, Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority continues to champion research and innovation initiatives that elevate the global value and competitiveness of Philippine natural fibers.

🔗 Basahin ang buong ulat dito: https://pilipinomirror.com/philfidas-abaca-bulletproof-vest-sinubok-sa-phil-army/

PHILFIDA’S ABACA BULLETPROOF VEST SINUBOK SA PHIL ARMY - PILIPINO Mirror Sinubukan ng PhilFIDA Research and Development Center of SPTCOM ang bulletproof vest na nilikha mula sa Abaca Fiber sa Philippine Army, sa Camp Alejandro B. Melchor Sr., Libis, Quezo­n City.

📌 𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | Abaca farmers and community participants in the Municipality of Sibagat successfully completed the three-day Training on Abaca Twining and Scrunch Making held on April 8–10 at the Sibagat Center for Culture and Arts.

The activity aimed to strengthen local skills development and create additional livelihood opportunities through value-adding innovations using abaca fiber products.

The training was conducted through the collaborative efforts of Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits (ECOWEB) Inc., the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority under the leadership of Executive Director Arnold I. Atienza through Regional Office XIII supported by OIC-Regional Director Samuel Nacino Jr., and the Local Government Unit of Sibagat, reaffirming their shared commitment to empowering abaca farming communities and supporting the continued growth of the local abaca industry.

During the activity, Vice Mayor Maria Liza Lamanilao-Evangelista encouraged participants to remain hardworking and committed in sustaining the programs and opportunities being introduced for the community.

Through continuous partnerships and capacity-building initiatives, PhilFIDA remains steadfast in promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities and advancing the Philippine abaca industry toward greater productivity and innovation.

📌 𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧, 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗙𝗜𝗗𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗜 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿

In a move to strengthen support for abaca farming communities in the region, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga and PhilFIDA Regional Office XIII convened for a consultative meeting on May 11, 2026, at the DOST Caraga Regional Office in Butuan City.

The meeting focused on exploring potential collaboration and the integration of SARAI technologies and digital platforms into PhilFIDA’s programs, projects, and activities for the development of the abaca industry in Caraga. Through smart farming innovations and data-driven agricultural advisories, the initiative aims to provide more timely, accurate, and accessible support services to local abaca farmers.

Assistant Regional Director for Field Operations Ricardo N. Varela highlighted DOST Caraga’s commitment to expanding science and technology-based interventions under the Project SARAI CeNTRO initiative to help improve productivity and resilience in the agriculture sector.

Representing PhilFIDA Caraga were OIC Regional Director Mr. Samuel Nacino Jr., Regulatory Unit Head Alfritz Ceballos, Fiber Development Officer II Phoebe Grace Colonia, and Engineer II Rene Ibarra Jr., who discussed opportunities for collaboration in advancing the region’s abaca industry.

As one of Caraga’s priority agricultural commodities, abaca remains a vital source of livelihood for many farming communities and a key contributor to the local agricultural economy. Through strengthened inter-agency collaboration, PhilFIDA and DOST continue to work toward innovative, technology-driven solutions that empower Filipino abaca farmers and promote sustainable agricultural development.

𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗙𝗜𝗗𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗚𝗨-𝗣𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗮 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮

In line with the commitment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to strengthen the agriculture sector and uplift rural livelihoods, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority conducted a collaboration meeting with the Local Government Unit of Pasil, Kalinga at the Office of the Municipal Mayor.

PhilFIDA led by Executive Director Arnold “Ali” I. Atienza with Chief of Technical Assistance Division Mr. Manolito F. Apalla and OIC-Regional Director Engr. Irma R. Rodis, was formally welcomed by Municipal Mayor Atty. Silvestre Mosing and Vice Mayor Venancio Magangat, together with Municipal Administrator Geopano AO-AS Mosing, Municipal Agriculturist Jenelyn C. Massagan, Provincial Agriculturist Nancy O. Aowat, and Municipal IPMR Harry Longgawis.

The meeting focused on the proposed establishment of a training facility for abaca production and processing in Pasil, Kalinga, including the promotion of the Modified Abaca Stripping Knife (MASK) to enhance fiber quality and efficiency. Discussions also covered possible capacity-building activities, the establishment of a one-hectare abaca nursery in partnership with the Municipal Agriculturist Office, and the validation of abaca areas for fiber tensile strength testing.

PhilFIDA remains committed to strengthening partnerships with local government units and stakeholders in advancing sustainable livelihood opportunities and further developing the Philippine abaca industry.

𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗙𝗜𝗗𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗦𝗢 𝟵𝟬𝟬𝟭:𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟱 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

Congratulations to the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) for being recommended for the maintenance of its ISO 9001:2015 Certification following the successful External Quality Audit conducted by SOCOTEC Certification Philippines on May 11, 2026.

This achievement reflects the agency’s continued commitment to quality management, operational excellence, and efficient public service delivery for the Philippine fiber industry under the leadership of Executive Director Arnold “Ali” I. Atienza, with the support of OIC-Deputy Executive Director Engr. Ramil B. Barcelona.

PhilFIDA remains steadfast in upholding transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the leadership of the Department of Agriculture under Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.