By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the warm sun of Barangay Caatihan in Boston, Davao Oriental, a group of farmers gathered with eagerness and hope. For two days, 38 men, women, youth, and elders from local farmers’ groups learned new skills to improve their abaca harvest and craft.
The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), supported by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and led by Executive Director Arnold “Ali” I. Atienza, held a training on Eskohido fiber extraction and Tinagak weaving. The event brought together members of the Caatihan Manobo Abaca Grower’s Association (CAMAGA), Junction Upland Farmers Association (JUFA), and Bongcuan Community Integrated Farmers Association (BOCIFA).
Licensed abaca trader Maribeth B. Masumpad from Caraga led the training. She taught participants how to select and extract the Eskohido fiber from the Laylay abaca variety and how to use it in making Tinagak—a traditional handwoven fabric important to local culture.
With support from Barangay Captain Fredie Cotic and other local leaders, farmers practiced these techniques, gaining valuable knowledge to increase the quality and value of their abaca products. Their enthusiasm showed their strong desire to rebuild and strengthen their livelihoods through abaca farming and weaving.
PhilFIDA’s program aims to empower abaca farmers and Indigenous Peoples communities by providing livelihood opportunities, skills training, and market support. This helps preserve cultural heritage while creating sustainable income for farming families in Davao Oriental.
As these communities learn and grow, they take important steps toward a brighter, more prosperous future rooted in tradition and resilience.
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