TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) is preparing agricultural extension workers and farmers in Leyte to train other community groups in making abaca school bags as part of efforts to expand livelihood opportunities and add value to locally produced abaca.
PhilFIDA Regional Office VIII conducted a four-day Training of Trainers (TOT) from Sept. 8 to 11 for agricultural extension workers (AEWs) and selected farmers from abaca-producing communities in the province.
The PhilFIDA-funded training was held at the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 8 (ATI-RTC 8) at the Visayas State University (VISCA) through the agency’s Technical Assistance Unit, in collaboration with ATI-RTC 8.
Participants underwent hands-on training in the production of abaca school bags, covering the preparation and assembly of abaca materials, weaving, finishing, quality control, product development and basic costing.
They also produced abaca school bags during the training using the techniques demonstrated by the trainers.
Beyond production skills, the TOT was designed to equip participants with facilitation and training skills so they can pass on the techniques to farmers’ organizations, women’s groups, abaca processors, community livelihood associations and other interested groups in their respective municipalities.
PhilFIDA-8 OIC Regional Director Joseph Salas said the planned rollout of the abaca school bag-making livelihood activity in various local government units would need financial and logistical support from participating LGUs.
The initiative seeks to promote value-added abaca products while providing additional livelihood opportunities for communities dependent on abaca production.
PhilFIDA said the training forms part of its efforts to strengthen the abaca handicraft sector through value addition and livelihood diversification in abaca-producing communities.
The agency credited its Technical Assistance Division, ATI-RTC 8 and the PhilFIDA Leyte Provincial Office for providing financial, logistical and technical support for the activity.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
