Blackwater Women Launches New Deo Spray Collection Featuring Barbie Forteza, Adie

Blackwater Women under Ever Bilena Cosmetics launched their Whimsical Deo Spray Collection at SM North Edsa on January 25, with special appearances from their brand endorsers, actress Barbie Forteza and singer-songwriter Adie.

A Year Of Buo Ang Tiwala: Tala’s Milestone Year In Advancing Financial Inclusion

Tala’s milestone year in 2024 showcased the power of financial inclusion for the Global Majority.

Over 19,000 Counterfeit Razor Products Seized In City Of Manila And Cebu

The NBI has taken a firm stand against counterfeit razor products in Manila and Cebu. Over 19,000 counterfeit razor blades have been seized in a series of successful raids.

Growing Your Business In The Bustling Bacolod Township Of Saludad

Growing your business in the bustling Bacolod Township of Saludad offers ample opportunity. The city's diversified economy is a strong foundation for growth.

DA Urges MSEs, Fiber Industry Stakeholders To Maintain High Standards

Agriculture Secretary Laurel encourages MSEs to meet high-quality standards for better export opportunities in the fiber sector.

DA Urges MSEs, Fiber Industry Stakeholders To Maintain High Standards

1836
1836

How do you feel about this story?

Like
Love
Haha
Wow
Sad
Angry

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Friday encouraged micro and small enterprises (MSEs) to maintain high-quality standards, meeting both Philippine and international criteria, to increase the export potential of fiber products and ensure acceptance in the global market.

In his message during the 2nd National Fibercrop Summit organized by the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) held in Iloilo City, Tiu Laurel assured MSEs of assistance in accessing the international market once they “achieve stability and are ready for the global stage.”

“I recognize the economic contributions of fiber crops, especially abaca, pineapple, and salago, and the employment generated alongside cotton and silk. And you have my full support and commitment to enhancing and advancing these natural fibers domestically and globally,” he said in his message delivered by Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra.

He added that the contributions of natural fibers “extend beyond economic value” as they also represent the culture and heritage of Filipinos.

“Traditional arts expressed in woven fibers reflect the unique creativity, imagination, and ingenuity of our local weavers, producing exquisite globally competitive Philippine products,” Tiu Laurel said.

In a follow-up interview, Guevarra said abaca is the Philippines’ number one export product.

She noted that the country used to supply 86.1 percent of the world’s demand for abaca fiber, but had dropped to about 63 percent.

This was due to the decline in the number of abaca farmers because of old age, while others shifted to different crops.

She said PhilFIDA is now adopting mechanization to increase production and meet the global demand.

Other than abaca, they are also expanding cultivation areas for other natural fibers, such as cotton and piña, to increase production.

“We’re teaching our farmers to improve the yield. We’re teaching them also how to increase their income. So, we are talking about the value chain and not just depend on raw (materials),” she added.

Senator Loren Legarda, in her keynote address, said the industry has huge potential in supporting the rural economy, especially MSEs.

She said that through the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), she sought to ensure that smaller producers, many of whom are in the fiber industry, receive the necessary support.

“These provide MSMEs with easier access to capital, technology, and training. These enterprises fuel local economies, provide jobs, and enable our communities to uplift themselves through their work,” Legarda added.

PhilFIDA, through its Fiber Utilization and Technology, in partnership with Legarda, has launched the establishment of weaving and processing centers project, most of which are in Antique.

The one-day summit that gathered more or less 130 stakeholders aimed to promote the use of natural fibers, create market access for MSEs engaged in PhilFIDA-funded weaving and processing centers, and assist them in expanding business and market access. (PNA)