Farmers’ Day kicks off International Natural Fibers year celebration
May 4, 2009 12:55 am
MANILA, May 2 — The Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) under Department of Agriculture (DA) commenced with a Farmers’ Field Day celebration in Kalibo, Aklan for the International Year of Natural Fibers (IYNF) 2009.
Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez urged the farmers to discover various uses of abaca and other commercial fibers by participating in activities of IYNF, which began on April 21, and other FIDA events.
He said Aklan plans to invite investors who will put up pulp mills and generate more income for people.
The provincial government also has a "Plant Now, Pay Later" Program for abaca expansion in Libacao, Banga, Madalag, Ibajay, Altavas, Balete and Makato municipalities, he noted.
FIDA Administrator Cecilia Gloria J. Soriano cited IYNF’s objectives — to raise awareness and stimulate demand for natural fibers; and encourage from governments appropriate policy responses on problems faced by natural fiber industries as well as to foster an effective and enduring international partnership among these industrial players.
IYNF also aims to enhance efficiency and sustainability of the natural fibers industries.
“The province of Aklan is blessed with abundant sources of natural fibers like abaca, piña, and buri which, when woven into exquisite products, are treasured abroad so weaving skills should be passed on to the younger generation. Importance of the natural fiber industry to the Philippine economy cannot be ignored especially now that consumers have realized and are shifting their preference to environmentally friendly and globally competitive fiber-based products,” the FIDA chief said.
Highlights of the program include ceremonial turnover of Improved Hand Stripping Device (Hagoton) by the FIDA Administrator to Banga ARC (agrarian reform community), demonstration on its use and an exhibit tour.
These activities for the celebration were lined up by the Task Force IYNF created by Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap through a Special Order dated April 11, 2008.
Representatives of government agencies concerned and from different sectors of the fiber industry are part of this undertaking.
Other on-going IYNF activities include the Farmers’ Field Day featuring craft demo, mini-fiber and product exhibit, farmers’ forum, market linkages and turn-over of improved stripping devices to farmers and abaca seed production training for farmers and local government unit (LGU) extension workers.
The activities also cover a two-week training for such farmers and LGU extension workers on abaca production technologies from planting, harvesting and fiber extraction to fiber classification; abaca farmers’ six-month field training on abaca production technologies including integrated pest management; the abaca disease management commencement program and abaca disease eradication in Southern Leyte.
Green label insecticides, herbicides and other agricultural supplies and materials will be distributed to 31 barangays thru the LGU of Maasin City.
Organizers also lined up a consultative conference on abaca involving industry stakeholders and government agencies; a demonstration on fiber extraction; an exhibit of fiber products; a fashion show featuring creations of Filipino designers using Philippine weaves; launching of the book “The Story of Abaca: Manila Hemp’s Transformation from Textile to Marine Cordage & Specialty Paper” by Elizabeth Potter Sievert and published by Ateneo University Press in partnership with FIDA; issuance of commemorative stamps and other philatelic products in collaboration with Philippine Postal Corporation and hosting of the joint sessions of the inter-governmental groups on hard fibers and of jute, kenaf and allied fibers. (PNA)
LGI/CJT/PR/rsm
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