The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) regional office here has turned over four abaca spindle stripping machines to farmer associations in Southern Leyte to improve fiber extraction, enhance production efficiency, and strengthen farmers’ livelihoods.

The turnover ceremonies held between September to October, is part of the Department of Agriculture’s efforts to modernize the agricultural sector and advance PhilFIDA’s modernization initiatives, PhilFIDA Eastern Visayas Regional Director Joseph Salas said.

Recipient associations are the Nahaong Vegetable Growers Association in Libagon town; Calinao Farmers Association in Hinunangan; Bontoc Integrated and Sustainable Abaca Farmers Association in Bontoc; and Cadaruhuan Upland Farmers and Women’s Association in Malitbog.

Salas said abaca remains an important agricultural commodity in Southern Leyte, providing a source of income for farming households, particularly in rural and upland communities.

The industry also supports employment across the value chain, from cultivation and harvesting to fiber extraction, trading, and processing.

“However, fiber extraction remains labor-intensive. The provision of spindle stripping machines is expected to help beneficiary associations improve operational efficiency, increase their capacity to process harvested abaca, and maximize the economic value of their produce,” Salas said in a phone interview.

He said appropriate mechanization, alongside farm rehabilitation, the use of quality planting materials, effective disease management, and improved post-harvest practices, can help increase productivity, improve fiber quality, and strengthen farmers’ competitiveness in the market.

Southern Leyte is the top abaca-producing in Eastern Visayas with a fiber production of 1,253 metric tons in 2025 with a production area of 8,481 hectares maintained by 7,550 abaca farmers. (PNA)