Bicol leads in abaca production

LEGAZPI CITY – Bicol region has regained its rank as the leading abaca producing province in the country, the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) announced.

FIDA assistant regional manager Mary Ann Molina said Bicol region has restored abaca production after massive plantation and treatment of abaca farms devastated by pests in 2008.

Molina said Catanduanes was the leading province in Bicol region in both producing and exporting abaca fiber.

“However, due to the global financial crisis, the exportation of abaca raw materials and finished products dramatically dropped.”

FIDA is conducting continues training to abaca farmers and is assisting local producers in marketing the finished products and raw materials abroad.

She said that “although abaca product is having difficulty in the export market, the domestic market remains stable.”