TACLOBAN CITY — Abaca farmers in Leyte are set to benefit from improved fiber processing after the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) regional office distributed three spindle stripping machines to farmer associations in the province.
Two of the machines were turned over to farmer associations in La Paz, while the third was given to farmers in Barangay San Antonio, Hilongos, as part of the agency’s continuing effort to introduce mechanization and improve the productivity of abaca-growing communities.
The turnover was led by PhilFIDA Regional Director Joseph Salas through the agency’s Technical Assistance Unit headed by Engr. Jonathan Reambonanza.
In La Paz, the activity was attended by Mayor Joel Cinco and Municipal Agriculturist Atty. Dandy Lou Moquia. Representatives of the beneficiary associations, Nelson Luya and Narciss Lor, expressed their commitment to maximizing the equipment for the benefit of their members and the local abaca industry.
The turnover in Hilongos was supported by Mayor Manuel Villahermosa and Municipal Agriculturist Analie Maike and was held in Barangay San Antonio. Barangay officials led by Punong Barangay Francisco Perido also took part in the activity.
PhilFIDA personnel conducted hands-on demonstrations on the proper operation and maintenance of the machines to help ensure that the beneficiaries can use the equipment safely and effectively.
Salas said PhilFIDA remains committed to bringing appropriate technology and technical assistance closer to abaca-producing communities, particularly farmers in remote and mountainous areas who may have limited access to modern processing equipment.
The spindle stripping machines are expected to make fiber extraction faster and more efficient while reducing the time and labor needed for processing. The equipment is also expected to help increase the productivity of farmers and processors and improve the overall quality and efficiency of abaca production.
Abaca, one of the Philippines’ important fiber crops, is widely used in products such as ropes, specialty papers, handicrafts and other industrial materials. Improving processing efficiency at the farm level can help strengthen the competitiveness of producers while supporting the country’s fiber industry.
The equipment distribution forms part of the continuing efforts of the Department of Agriculture and PhilFIDA to promote mechanization, technology adoption and improved processing capabilities in the country’s fiber-producing communities.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
