By Kenneth Marcos 
In a small town surrounded by lush hills and hardworking hands, hope grows in the form of fiber plants—and the government is helping make that hope stronger.
The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) has reaffirmed its support for the fiber industry in Misamis Oriental, following a field visit on October 6–7, 2025. The visit aimed to strengthen partnerships with local governments and improve fiber crop production in the province.
Leading the visit were PhilFIDA Executive Director Arnold “Ali” I. Atienza and Engr. Eugene N. Galela, Officer-in-Charge Regional Director of PhilFIDA Region X. They met with local officials and farmers in the municipalities of Sugbongcogon and Villanueva, both known for their fiber farming communities.
Strengthening Local Support Through Innovation
One of the highlights of the trip was the discussion on the continued operation of the Tissue Culture Laboratory in Sugbongcogon. This facility is crucial in producing high-quality planting materials, especially for abaca and other fiber crops, which are among the top agricultural products of the region.
Through tissue culture, PhilFIDA can multiply disease-free and high-yielding varieties faster and at lower cost—benefiting small farmers who rely on healthy crops for their income.
“Ang layunin natin ay mapalakas ang lokal na produksyon ng hibla at matiyak na ang ating mga magsasaka ay may access sa mga de-kalidad na tanim,” said Director Atienza during the visit. He also emphasized the agency’s commitment to working closely with local government units (LGUs) to achieve long-term sustainability for the industry.
LGUs and Farmers: Working Hand in Hand
The meetings with the LGUs of Sugbongcogon and Villanueva served as a platform to realign programs, share feedback from the ground, and identify areas for improvement. Local leaders welcomed the renewed partnership, highlighting how fiber farming has helped uplift rural livelihoods, especially in upland and coastal areas.
PhilFIDA’s support includes technical training, planting materials, post-harvest facilities, and market linkage assistance. These efforts align with the national government’s push for Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas, which prioritizes rural development and agricultural productivity.
Why Fiber Crops Matter
The Philippines is one of the world’s leading producers of natural fibers such as abaca, also known as Manila hemp. Abaca is widely used for ropes, specialty papers, and eco-friendly textiles. In 2024, the country exported over $97 million worth of abaca products, according to trade data.
Despite global demand, many abaca farmers face challenges such as plant disease, low yields, and poor market access. PhilFIDA’s initiatives aim to address these issues by improving farm technologies and ensuring stable support from both national and local governments.
A Shared Vision for Growth
The visit to Misamis Oriental marks another step forward in PhilFIDA’s goal to revive and modernize the fiber industry in Northern Mindanao. With renewed partnerships, access to better planting materials, and stronger LGU involvement, local farmers now have more tools to improve their harvest and income.
In a time when sustainability and rural progress are more important than ever, the growth of the fiber sector is more than just an economic goal—it is a commitment to building resilient farming communities.
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