𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗔𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗮 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀
In an effort to strengthen the abaca industry in Northern Samar, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar (PGNS), through the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), recently organized a comprehensive 3-day training on Abaca Grading and Classification. Held on April 22-24, 2024, at the Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Extension Center (PAFEC) in Brgy. Galutan, Catarman, the training was in support to the Philippine Rural Development Program – Investments for Rural Enterprises and Agri-Fishery Productivity (PRDP I-REAP) Component Subprojects, aimed to enhance the capacity of local abaca farmers in effectively grading and classifying abaca fiber. The invited resource persons are technical experts from the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA).
The training, attended by representatives of the Northern Samar Abaca Fiber Enterprise (NSAFE), witnessed active participation from the lead proponent group, the Centralized Farmers Association (CEFA), and 2 cluster proponent groups, namely: Mainland Farmers Producers Cooperative (MAFPC), and Luisita Upland Farmers’ Association (LUFA).
Recognizing the crucial role of proper classification and grading in commanding competitive market value, the training focused on bridging the knowledge gap among local farmers. By equipping participants with necessary skills and technical know-how, the initiative aims to empower Northern Samar abaca farmers to produce high-quality fibers, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in the market.
The training module comprised a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on activities. The first day involved classroom sessions, providing participants with foundational knowledge on abaca grading principles. Subsequently, the second day featured practical and hands-on activities conducted at SC Tan Warehouse in Brgy. Dalakit, Catarman, allowing farmers to apply their newly acquired skills in real-world scenarios. The culmination of the training on the third day included theoretical and practical examinations, with six participants successfully passing the Fiber Classifier’s Examination. These farmers were issued with their licenses from the Philippine Fiber Development Authority (PhilFIDA), enabling them to further contribute to the industry.
Abaca, commonly known as Manila hemp, holds significant economic importance in Northern Samar, being one of the province's priority commodities. Recognizing this, the NSAFE, spearheaded by CEFA, serves as a pivotal entity in consolidating and trading high-quality abaca fibers in the province. With operations primarily based in Mondragon, NSAFE collaborates with cluster associations across various municipalities, including Laoang, Lope De Vega, San Isidro, and Victoria, to streamline production efforts and ensure product quality.
The strategic positioning of Mondragon as a hub for abaca production underscores its significance in the province's abaca industry. Compared to other areas, Mondragon experiences fewer incidences of the abaca bunchy top virus, rendering it a favorable location for cultivation. This advantage, coupled with concerted efforts to eradicate isolated affected areas, further strengthens Northern Samar's position as a leading abaca producer.
This initiative aimed at enhancing the abaca industry’s sustainability and growth is in line with Governor Edwin Marino C. Ongchuan's development agenda, coined as "Padayon nga KAUSWAGAN," or Sustained PROGRESS. By fostering partnerships and implementing targeted interventions, Northern Samar endeavors to elevate its abaca industry, ultimately benefiting the Nortehanon people. Through such efforts, the province strives to achieve sustained progress and economic prosperity for its constituents.
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Agriculture