The demand for abaca fiber is high and the price is good. With this favorable assessment, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) here is encouraging farmers to plant more abaca.
The province of Aklan produced 82% of abaca in Western Visayas in 2016, and according to Tarcesio J. Nervar, Jr., Provincial Fiber Officer of the PhilFIDA here, the province also produces good quality fiber.
Abaca, according to Nervar, has many uses and a wide market. The United States, United Kingdom, Japan, India, China, Indonesia and South Korea buys abaca raw fiber while its pulp is in demand in the US, Gernmany, UK, France, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, China and Singapore.
Eight countries – the US, Singapore, Canada, United Arab Emirates, UK, Gerrmany, Malaysia and Australia have demand for abaca cordage/rope/twine while Hongkong, Italy, Japan, UK, Spain, France, China and Nigeria use abaca yarns and fabrics.
On the other hand, the UK, Mexico, Australia, Spain, Japan, US, Hongkong, Italy and China are the markets for abaca fibercrafts.
One other product made from abaca fiber, according to Nervar, which has a very good and wide market, is the tea bag.
This is seen to increase the country’s earnings from abaca, because according to Nervar, millions of people from all over the world drink tea daily.
Based on records of the PhilFIDA, the Philippines was the major supplier of abaca fiber in the world in 2015 with 86% equivalent to 67,347 metric tons, while Ecuador and Costa Rica provided 14%.
In the country, the province of Aklan ranked 9th among the top 10 abaca fiber-producing provinces in 2016, producing 2,400 metric tons.
In the top 10 list are Catanduanes, number 1; Davao Oriental, 2nd; Northern Samar, 3rd; Lanao del Sur, 4th; Agusan del Sur, 5th; Bukidnon, 6th; Albay, 7th; Surigao del Sur, 8th and Davao del Sur, 10th.
The province of Aklan has 8 abaca-producing towns – Libacao, Balete, Malinao, Makato, Madalag, Banga, Ibajay and Tangalan.
In 2016, these municipalities produced a total of 2,399,972 kilograms of abaca fiber, registering an increase of 39% compared to 1,450,202 kilograms produced in 2015.
Currently, total areas planted with abaca in Aklan is 4,377.38 hectares. (VGV PIA6 Aklan)
