P1.17-M equipment to cut abaca farmers’ production costs

By Edna Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes --- The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) on Tuesday said the machinery it has provided to Manila hemp farmers in this island province will help cut the cost of crop production and ensure higher gains.

Marlon Rebancos, the technical assistance unit head of PhilFIDA for the Bicol region, highlighted that under the agreement with the beneficiaries, each of the nine abaca spindle stripping machines is expected to yield at least 333 kilograms of abaca fiber per month, or 1,000 kilograms per quarter.

PhilFIDA on Tuesday, May 27, turned over a total of P1.17 million worth of spindle stripping machines to eight abaca farmers associations in Catanduanes.

This delivery followed the previous release of a spindle stripping machine to the Pangilao Abaca and Coconut Farmers Association in San Miguel town.

He said that the distribution of the machinery was part of the agency’s broader goal to mechanize abaca fiber production in the country, starting with major producing areas like Catanduanes.

Rebancos said PhilFIDA will continue to monitor and assess the productivity and output of the recipients to ensure the machines are properly utilized.

Jorge Tindugan, the leader of the Pangilao Abaca and Coconut Farmers Association in San Miguel, expressed excitement about the potential benefits the new machine will bring to their group.

“Sa paggamit ng spindling machine makikinabang ang 20 mga abacaleros at makaka produce na ng mas madaming fibers, kumpara noong panahon ang gamit ay tradisyonal ay konti lang ang na poproduce naming fiber,” he said.

“Bukod rito makikinabang rin sa machine ang iba pang mga abacaleros sa mga karatig barangay dahil pwede rin naming itong ipaarkila na may sapat na bayad at magingging income pa ng asosasyon,” (PIA Bicol/Catanduanes)