In response to the soaring global demand for fiber, particularly in the electronics and automotive sectors, the Philippine Fiber Development Authority (PhilFIDA) is intensifying efforts to cultivate alternative fiber sources in Cebu. Lionel Abella, a fiber development officer with PhilFIDA in Cebu, highlighted the focus on sisal and salago as viable alternatives to the increasingly sought-after abaca fiber.
The initiative includes a project in Ginatilan, which began this year, aiming to establish a 16-hectare plantation for sisal and a 5-hectare plot for salago. Sisal, known for its stiff fibers used in rope production, and salago, which provides durable fibers for ropes, are seen as promising substitutes. The project, backed by a PHP1.2 million budget, covers planting materials, labor, and machinery.
PhilFIDA has noted that local farmers have been using bamboo to extract sisal fibers, leading the agency to fund the Hibla Project. This project aims to enhance the efficiency of rope production, which is crucial for traditional practices like preparing lechon, a roasted pig dish.
Abella pointed out that the demand for abaca has surged due to environmental concerns pushing industries away from plastic. The Philippines, a leading exporter of abaca, is now looking to bolster its domestic industry to meet this growing demand. In 2021, Central Visayas alone produced 311.80 metric tons of abaca, underscoring the region’s significant role in the global fiber market.
Abaca, also known as Manila hemp, is integral to various products ranging from fishing lines and ropes to textiles and surgical masks. As the world’s top supplier of abaca, the Philippines is committed to expanding its fiber production capabilities to maintain its leading position in the international market.