President Marcos Urges Support for Philippines’ Fiber Industry
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) to continue supporting the country’s fiber industry through education, collaboration, and research. His message was delivered during the 2023 National Fibercrops Summit organized by PhilFIDA on Tuesday, Nov. 14.
The President emphasized the readiness of the fiber crops industry to drive economic growth and provide livelihood opportunities to communities. He urged PhilFIDA to remain steadfast in utilizing its mission of providing research, production, education, and trade regulation support to take advantage of new avenues for development and growth in the industry.
The President’s call comes as he prepares to leave for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week in San Francisco. He expressed hope that the efforts of the public sector, growers, farmers associations, and the private sector can usher a new age of growth and development in the agriculture sector.
The National Fibercrops Summit, organized by PhilFIDA, addressed challenges facing the fibercrop industry and focused on priority fibercrops such as abaca, cotton, piña, salago, and silk.
The event was attended by government and industry experts who will collaborate to strategize, brainstorm innovations, and shape policies to invigorate the nation’s fibercrop industry.
PhilFIDA, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), is responsible for promoting the accelerated growth and development of the fiber industry in the Philippines. This includes fibercrops such as abaca, also known as Manila hemp, and cotton. The agency organized this year’s National Fibercrops Summit at the DA-BSWM Convention Hall in Diliman, Quezon City under the theme, “HIBLA BIDA!!!” aimed at addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the fibercrop industry.
