Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority

15/07/2026

15/07/2026

15/07/2026

| Northern Mindanao Abaca Farmers and Stakeholders Unite to Strengthen the Industry

Abaca farmers and industry stakeholders from Northern Mindanao gathered to reinforce collaboration and strengthen the region's abaca industry through shared initiatives and collective action.

The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), led by Executive Director Arnold "Ali" I. Atienza through Regional Office X under OIC-Regional Director Eugene Galela, remains committed to working closely with farmers, stakeholders, and partners in advancing a sustainable, competitive, and globally recognized Philippine abaca industry.

Courtesy: Radyo Pilipinas | Report by Cocoy Medina

14/07/2026

One of the most tangible moments of the 1st Provincial Abaca and Abakaleros Congress: a farmers' association went home with an Abaca Spindle Stripping Machine.

The equipment from the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority was awarded at the close of the congress. It is designed to improve fiber processing efficiency, reduce labor requirements, and enhance the quality and market competitiveness of locally produced abaca.

Small wins like this are what translate a congress into real change.

Congratulations to the recipient association. This is just the beginning.


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The 1st Abaca and Abakaleros Congress is part of the Women and Youth Economic Empowerment (WEE) 2.0, a partnership project between CARE Philippines and the TIJORI Foundation which aims to improve the economic well-being of abaca farmers, including women, in Catanduanes.

14/07/2026

𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗙𝗜𝗗𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗴𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), led by Executive Director Arnold "Ali" I. Atienza, together with Regional Director Samuel M. Nacino Jr. and Chief of the Technical Assistance Division Manolito F. Apalla, paid a courtesy visit to the Research Office of Agusan del Sur State University headed by Research Director Dr. Michael M. Sabugaa, on June 17, 2026.

The meeting strengthened the partnership between PhilFIDA and ADDSU as both institutions reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and accelerating the development of the Philippine fiber industry through research, technology, and capacity-building initiatives.

A key highlight of the collaboration is the PS4 Mulberry Project, which includes the establishment of a 2-hectare mulberry farm and one silkworm rearing house. The two institutions also discussed future capacity-building activities on fiber production and value-added product development. The PhilFIDA delegation likewise evaluated ADDSU's proprietary Abaca Knotting Technology developed by Engr. Remuel Maca. Recognizing its potential to improve efficiency and productivity in abaca processing, Executive Director Atienza expressed his commitment to personally assist in expediting the technology's patent application.

Through strengthened partnerships with academic institutions, PhilFIDA continues to promote innovation and sustainable technologies for the natural fiber industry. These efforts support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push to modernize Philippine agriculture and Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.’s goal of building a resilient and globally competitive agriculture sector.

13/07/2026

| Strengthening the Future of the Philippine Abaca Industry

The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), led by Executive Director Arnold "Ali" I. Atienza, is set to establish abaca nurseries in Agusan del Sur to provide farmers with quality planting materials, increase abaca production, and support sustainable livelihoods for local farming communities.

Courtesy: Radyo Pilipinas Butuan | Dyannara Sumapad-Jaque

13/07/2026

𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗙𝗜𝗗𝗔 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗲-𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗣 𝗖𝗛𝗘

The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), led by Executive Director Arnold “Ali” I. Atienza, together with the Fiber Utilization and Technology Division (FUTD) under OIC-Chief Engr. Maritess M. Puspus, conducted a collaborative meeting with the Department of Clothing, Textiles, and Interior Design (DCTID) of the University of the Philippines College of Home Economics (UP CHE) on 6 July 2026 in Quezon City, with the participation of department heads and faculty members.

The meeting focused on the presentation and discussion of the proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which outlines the initial areas of collaboration between PhilFIDA and UP CHE. The proposed partnership aims to develop and implement capacity-building programs for students, faculty, and community partners; organize collaborative exhibitions and events showcasing handwoven textiles and fiber innovations; promote sustainable practices in fiber production, innovation, and utilization; and explore opportunities for joint publications, research initiatives, and student engagement activities related to the Philippine fiber industry.

This collaborative initiative reflects PhilFIDA's continuing commitment to strengthening partnerships with academic institutions in advancing research, innovation, sustainability, and human resource development in support of the Philippine fiber industry.