By Kenneth Marcos 
ARAKAN, COTABATO – In the peaceful village of Lanao Kuran, the sound of weaving filled the air as local farmers learned to turn abaca fibers into handcrafted twine and macrame bags—symbols of hope for better livelihood opportunities.
On September 26, 2025, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) and Interim PENRO Cotabato led a two-day skills training for farmers, aiming to boost income through abaca value-adding and product development.
The event was supported by the provincial government and featured experts from the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) Region XI. Resource persons included Joseph Bernard A. Pafin, Leberty Giolagon, and Nila Masibay, who shared their knowledge on abaca fiber quality, market trends, and sustainable production practices.
More Than Farming: A New Way to Earn
For many farming families in Arakan, abaca is more than just a crop—it’s a potential gateway to financial stability. Known for its strength and eco-friendliness, abaca is in high demand locally and abroad for use in textiles, bags, ropes, and even specialty paper.
But beyond planting and harvesting, farmers are now being trained to process and market abaca products themselves.
“This training is not only about making bags. It’s about giving farmers new tools to build a better life,” said one of the facilitators.
Participants were taught how to create twine from abaca fiber and use it in making macrame bags—a growing trend in local and export markets. These handcrafted items fetch higher prices and open new doors for small-scale entrepreneurs.
Tools for Progress
To help speed up fiber processing, the farmers were also given Modified Abaca Stripping Knives—an improved version of the traditional tool used to strip fibers from abaca stalks. This small upgrade makes a big difference in daily production and output quality.
Such initiatives reflect a shift in agricultural support—from just growing crops to empowering farmers as producers, innovators, and marketers.
Strengthening the Local Economy
Arakan is one of Cotabato’s key areas for abaca production. With the right support, the province has the potential to become a hub for high-quality abaca goods, creating jobs and strengthening rural livelihoods.
The training also aligns with national goals under the Bagong Pilipinas framework to build a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous countryside through diversified livelihood programs.
Looking Ahead
As the training ended, the participants left not just with handmade bags—but with a renewed sense of confidence and possibility. With continued support from government agencies and industry partners, farmers in Arakan are now better equipped to weave a stronger, more sustainable future—one fiber at a time.
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