By Kenneth Marcos 
In many farming towns across Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Mindanao, abaca farmers wake up early to strip fibers by hand, hoping their harvest will bring enough income for food, school fees, and daily needs. The Philippines supplies most of the world’s abaca, yet the people who grow it remain among the poorest in the agricultural sector.
This gap was highlighted during the 2026 National Textile Convention, where the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority stressed that while the country produces about 87 percent of the world’s abaca supply, it earns only around 10 percent of total global revenues from the fiber.
PhilFIDA Executive Director Arnold “Ali” I. Atienza said the imbalance shows a long-standing problem in the industry. The Philippines exports mostly raw or semi-processed abaca, while higher profits are made abroad through finished products such as specialty textiles, paper, and industrial materials.
Abaca, also known as Manila hemp, is valued worldwide for its strength, flexibility, and resistance to saltwater. It is used in products ranging from ropes and tea bags to banknotes, car parts, and eco-friendly packaging. Demand is growing as global companies look for sustainable and biodegradable materials.
Despite this strong market, many Filipino abaca farmers earn little. Industry officials say the main reasons include limited local processing, weak links between farmers and buyers, and a long chain of traders that reduces farmgate prices.
Atienza said the solution is not just to produce more abaca, but to add more value locally. He called for wider use of abaca in finished and semi-finished products, including textiles, specialty paper, and even bioplastics. By processing more abaca in the country, the Philippines can capture a larger share of the global market.
Another key issue is the lack of direct connections between farmers and buyers. Many farmers sell to middlemen because they have no access to processors or exporters. This often results in lower prices and unstable income. Strengthening cooperatives and improving direct market access can help farmers negotiate better prices and plan production more effectively.
The government has been promoting abaca as part of its push for sustainable and high-value agriculture. PhilFIDA, under the Department of Agriculture, has programs focused on planting materials, disease management, and post-harvest support. Abaca production has also been positioned as an environment-friendly livelihood, as the crop helps prevent soil erosion and supports forest conservation.
However, experts say more investment is needed in modern processing facilities, research, and skills training. Developing local industries that can turn abaca into finished goods will require coordination between government, private companies, and farmer groups.
The Philippines is uniquely positioned to lead the global abaca industry, not only in volume but also in value. With rising global demand for green and sustainable products, abaca offers a strong opportunity for rural development and export growth.
For farmers, the goal is simple: fair income for hard work. For the country, it is about making full use of a natural advantage that few nations have. Turning abaca into higher-value products at home could help ensure that those who grow the fiber also benefit from its success.
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