Bicol pushes for abaca commercialization

By JOSEPH JOHN J. PEREZ

LEGAZPI CITY – The Bicol Consortium for Agriculture and Resources Research and Development (BCARRD) spearheaded the Abaca Fiesta on November 28, at the Embarcadero de Legazpi here to push for the commercialization of science and technology-based products from abaca fiber.

BCARRD director Ninfa Pelea said the Abaca FIESTA (Farmers Industry Encounter through the Science and Technology Agenda) intends to showcase the various abaca products and emerging opportunities with science and technology playing a significant role in the development of products and the whole industry as well.

"The event will also highlight success stories of enterprising persons and communities who have turned opportunities to business and livelihoods from the industry," Pelea added.

With the theme, “Celebrating Bicol’s Amazing Abaca: Fiesta na, Pasko Pa,” the two-day event features techno-business forum, fashion show, photography contest and e-marketing training among others.

Abaca is considered as one of the earliest export products of the Bicol region. During the Spanish era particularly during Galleon Trade, abaca hemp were loaded in Magallanes town in Sorsogon as the galleon from Manila was checked for its sea-worthiness to sail the Pacific ocean. It was tagged as the “manila hemp” due to the fact that merchandize coming from the Philippines were presumed as “Manila” products when it reached Acapulco, Mexico.

In the early 1900s abaca fiber found high value from its use in the manufacture of cordage, in response for the need for a material which retains its strength when wet.

The second period of abaca-based development led to the surge of the abaca handicraft industry, especially for the Bicol region, although some historical accounts mention the Filipinos using cloth, footwear and other crafts from abaca before the Spanish period.

According to Pelea, one challenge to the abaca industry came with technological developments which led to the production of synthetic substitutes to abaca. This adversely affected the demand for the natural products from the plant. Problems on pests and diseases of abaca like corm weevil, stem rot, dry sheath rot, slug caterpillar, buncy top and mosaic also contributed to the down trend of the abaca industry.

Now, the abaca industry is gaining resurgence. There is a growing preference among Japanese consumers for quality bags made of natural products, adds Pelea.

The present and emerging development of abaca industry capture opportunities from the demand for en-vironmentally responsible or “green” production systems and products, such as interior goods, bags and giftware that are made from natural materials like abaca and other natural materials like silk, cotton, Pelea told the PIA.

The abaca FIESTA aims to present the emerging opportunities, new uses/products,e.g. abaca pulp as raw material for currency notes and other products, fibers for denim production and improved technologies on fiber production, on dying, weaving, which with appropriate product design, could once again place the Philippine abaca in the world map, Pelea said.

The abaca FIESTA is a joint endeavor of BCARRD, PCARRD, the private sector, and several regional offi ces of line agencies, the organization of SMEs, Orgullo Kan Bicol (OK Bicol), the Fiber Industry Development Authority V, Department of Trade and Industry 5 the Department of Science and Technology Region 5, and the local government units.