By Kenneth Marcos 
In the remote barangays of Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, abaca farmers continue to work under the sun, carefully stripping fibers by hand—a craft passed down through generations, yet one that still struggles to bring in enough income.
To help change this, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) has partnered with the local government of Marihatag to strengthen support for the abaca industry in the area. The move is part of the national goal to improve farmers’ lives and modernize agriculture under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
PhilFIDA officials, led by Executive Director Arnold “Ali” I. Atienza, met with Marihatag Mayor Benjamin T. Fazon Jr., Vice Mayor Charlito R. Lerog, the Municipal Agriculturist, and local barangay leaders to discuss how to improve abaca farming in their communities.
During the meeting, Mayor Fazon expressed the town’s strong interest in reviving and expanding its abaca industry. He also raised concerns from farmers, including difficulties in production, the lack of modern tools, and the limited access to markets.
Executive Director Atienza responded with a firm commitment: PhilFIDA will provide full support to local abaca farmers through better planting materials, technical training, post-harvest equipment, and stronger links to national programs and buyers. He stressed that working closely with local government units (LGUs) is essential to the long-term success of the abaca industry.
The visit also included key PhilFIDA officials: Joel B. Barquilla, OIC of the Regulatory Division; Grace Aurora P. Pastores, OIC of the Planning Division; Concepcion D. Jocson, OIC of the Fiber Utilization and Technology Division; and Samuel M. Nacino Jr., OIC of PhilFIDA Regional Office XIII.
Abaca, also known as Manila hemp, is a valuable natural fiber that the Philippines has long been known for. It is used in ropes, textiles, specialty papers, and even in eco-friendly packaging. However, many abaca-producing communities remain poor due to low farmgate prices, pests and diseases, and outdated farming practices.
Surigao del Sur is one of the country’s key abaca-producing provinces, yet many farmers still rely on manual methods without access to modern support systems. Through this renewed partnership, PhilFIDA and the LGU hope to change that.
By improving the quality of planting materials and providing training on better farming and processing techniques, farmers can expect higher yields and better income. Post-harvest facilities will also help improve fiber quality, making it more competitive in both local and international markets.
This initiative is one of many under the DA’s vision for a “Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas”—a prosperous and inclusive agricultural sector that empowers even the smallest producers.
As the meeting ended, both local leaders and national officials agreed on one thing: when government and communities work hand in hand, progress becomes more than just a promise—it becomes possible.
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