Manila: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aims to enhance innovations in the abaca industry in Catanduanes, improving farmers’ livelihoods and adding value to their products.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. announced during a press conference that the agency is focused on expanding the abaca sector within the textile industry, as emphasized by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA). He highlighted the need for innovation beyond traditional raw abaca production to add value to the local textile industry, supported by an agreement between the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) and Catanduanes State University.

In a separate interview, Marie Grace Molina, DOST-Catanduanes director, discussed a PHP10 million project dedicated to producing fiber textiles from abaca. She mentioned that PTRI has delivered equipment for the facility, with renovations set to begin in September, facilitated by Catanduanes State University. The facility will process open fiber from abaca, purchasing raw abaca from farmers at higher prices and utilizing technology developed by DOST-PTRI. The finished products will be distributed to various spinning production facilities nationwide.

Molina further explained that Catanduanes will supply open fibers made from abaca, incorporating bleached cotton in the textiles. Discussions with the mayor of Virac are underway to establish additional facilities supporting the production of open fibers for textiles, with an initial focus on producing high-value inputs for industrial applications.

She expressed confidence in meeting market demands with the anticipated increase in abaca demand, stating that production of open fibers is expected to commence by January next year. The facility is designed to handle 40 kilograms per day, producing 16 kilograms of finished product daily.

Molina emphasized the project’s goal to assist over 18,000 abaca farmers in the province.