Friday, July 29, 2005
RP to import abaca from Ecuador
By Jenny Molbog-Mendoza
THE Fiber Industry Development Authority (Fida) 11 has reported that the country would import abaca from Ecuador if the domestic demand continues to rise.
Fida 11 regional director Victorino Agnes said that as of last year, the country's abaca importation reached 195.8 metric tons, higher by 71.25 percent as compared to 2003's level of only 56.3 metric tons.
"Kapag hindi kasi nami-meet ang local demand, we have to resort to importation for us to meet our demand for value-added products from foreign markets. Sa local demand pa lang kasi kulang na kulang na ang production natin," he said.
Data released by the agency showed more than 60 percent of the country's annual abaca production is being consumed by the domestic market.
The same data from Fida 11 has revealed that the domestic consumption for the fiber has continuously increased, from 44,240 metric tons in 1995 to 50,900 metric tons in 2004.
"We have seven pulp mills throughout the country, one of which is Newtech Plant, Inc. Iligan. More or less ang daily volume requirement nila ay 60 metric tons, sa isa pa lang 'yan. How about the other six pulp mills?," he said.
Agnes is encouraging abaca farmers and growers to further expand their plantations.
As of 2004, the agency has recorded a total of 127,258 hectares of abaca farms all over the country.
Fida 11 is strengthening its Oplan Sagip Abaca program to inspire the 1,106 farmers and growers of Regions 11 and 12 to continue producing the fiber.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (July 29, 2005 issue)
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