Abaca – Industry Strategic Science and Technology Plans (ISPs) Platform

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Abaca

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Abaca Industry Profile

Abaca, also known as Manila Hemp with the scientific name Musa textilis, is a natural leaf fiber species of banana grown as a commercial crop native in the country. Its leaf stems are harvested for its natural fiber that possesses valuable properties such as buoyancy, high porosity, high tensile and folding strength, and resistance to saltwater damage. According to Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), the Philippines, as the world’s top exporter of abaca, supplies 85 percent of the global abaca fiber production and earns US$80 million per year. Based on the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), as of 2019, Bicol Region remained the top abaca producer with 28.94 thousand metric tons or 40.1 percent contribution to the total abaca production, followed by Eastern Visayas and Davao Region with 17.5 percent and 12.5 percent shares, respectively. Bicol Region also had the largest area planted for abaca, with 43.16 thousand hectares in 2019. With its durability, flexibility, and resistance to saltwater damage, it is commonly used in fishing lines and nets, ropes, and twines. Other applications of abaca involve its use as a material in manufacturing bags, carpets, diapers, pill coatings, textile, and surgical masks.

Problems in the Industry

One of the most significant problems that the abaca industry faces is natural calamities. These calamities, such as typhoons, cause an increase in the production cost, thereby increasing the final products’ price. The prevalence of pests and diseases is also a common concern in the industry resulting in low fiber yield and poor fiber quality.

Other constraints include the following:

Limited supply of quality abaca planting materials;
Lack of high yielding and virus-resistant planting materials;
Poor technology adoption of farmers;
General lack of facilities for transport and drying;
Insufficient support in product marketing and promotion; and
Lack of financial capability of abaca farmers.

Price
Production
Policies and Programs

Farm Gate Price
Retail Price
Wholesale Price

Volume
Value
Area
Yield

Abaca Policies

Policy Type	Policy Number	Policy Year	Congress	Policy Title	Policy Description	Policy Objective	Policy Link	Commodity	Classification	info_encoder_stamp	info_date_stamp	filepath
Bill	Senate Bill No. 2517	2024	19th	An Act Institutionalizing the Philippine Abaca Industry Development Program, Providing Funds Therefor And For Other Purposes	Abaca, internationally known as Manila hemp, is endemic to the Philippines. According to the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFiDA), the Philippines dominates the global abaca trade as the country supplies about 86% percent of the world’s abaca fiber requirements as of 201 9. From 2010 to 2019, PhilFiDA reported that the Philippines generated an average of USD119 million per year from the exports of abaca fibers and manufactures. Aside from the industry’s substantial contributions to the country’s economy, the Philippine abaca also plays a vital role in the growing global advocacy for environmental protection and forest conservation. Thus, the Philippine abaca continues to be one of the priority agricultural commodities of the Department of Agriculture due to the its various economic and ecological advantages.	The proposed measure seeks to support the steady growth of the industry by institutionalizing the Philippine Abaca Industry Development Program, a ten (10) year framework for plans, projects, programs and policies for the scientific propagation, processing, utilization and expansion of trade of Philippine abaca. The framework shall also include plans, projects and policies on planting site identification, production support and extension, market promotion, infrastructure development, quality assurance and establishment of the Philippine Abaca Information Center.	https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/4328139375!.pdf	Abaca	null	Jeff	11/22/2024	C:\Users\trist\Documents\Formatting\Output\Abaca_2024-11-22_processed.xlsx
Bill	House Bill No. 01804 House Bill No. 02707	2022	19th	An Act Institutionalizing the Philippine Abaca Industry Development Program, Providing Funds Therefor And For Other Purposes	The bill calls for the creation the Philippine Abaca Industry Development Coordinating Council (PAIDCC) charged with the main function of coordinating the activities of various agencies and instrumentalities to ensure the accomplishment of the Philippine Fiber Framework for Development. The framework shall provide for the following: site identification, scientific propagation and development, production support and extension, market promotion and expansion of trade, infrastructure development, quality assurance, and creation of Philippine Fiber Information center. To provide for the funding requirements, the Philippine Abaca Development Fund shall be created under the Department of Agriculture, particularly PhilFIDA.	This act seeks to insitutionalize the Philippine Abaca Industry Development Program which is designed to promote competitiveness of the Philippine Abaca Industry worldwide.	https://hrep-website.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/legisdocs/basic_19/HB01804.pdf https://hrep-website.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/legisdocs/basic_19/HB02707.pdf	Abaca	null	Jeff	11/22/2024	C:\Users\trist\Documents\Formatting\Output\Abaca_2024-11-22_processed.xlsx
Bill	House Bill No. 3892	2022	19th	An Act Establishing Catanduanes Abaca Research and Development Office and providing funds thereof	The beloved home province of Catanduanes is the largest producer of abaca in the Philippines. Abaca is known worldwide as “Manila Hemp” and is used for various purposes. The recognition of Catanduanes being the largest producer of abaca was highlighted in the passage of Republic Act No. 11700, where it was declared that Catanduanes as the abaca capital of the Philippines. Further, in keeping with Section 1, Article XII of the Constitution which provides that the State shall promote the industrialization and full employment based on sound agricultural development and agrarian reform, through industries that make full and efficient use of human and natural resources, which are competitive in both dome<ic and foreign markets,	The bill seeks to create an office that must primarily and directly address the concerns of abaca industry in terms of research and development, as well as the concerns of the abaca farmers so that the abaca industty will not only be sustainable but will also maximize its potentials in accordance with the spirit of Republic Act No. 11700.	https://hrep-website.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/legisdocs/basic_19/HB03892.pdf	Abaca	null	Jeff	11/22/2024	C:\Users\trist\Documents\Formatting\Output\Abaca_2024-11-22_processed.xlsx
Law	Republic Act No. 11700	2022	18th	An Act Declaring The Province Of Catanduanes As The Abaca Capital Of The Philippines	In recognition of its status as the country’s biggest producer of abaca and making the Philippines world-renowned as “Manila Hemp” in the fiber industry, and in support to agricultural development of the province, it is hereby declared that Catanduanes be the Abaca Capital of the Philippines.	The law aims to recognize the importance of abaca industry and its development as a driver of rural development not only because of its singular potential as a raw material that can increase the country’s export earnings tremendously, and put the name of the country in the map of the world for producing the biggest volume of abaca fiber, but for having provided livelihood to many small farmers in the countryside.	https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/republic_acts/ra%2011700.pdf	Abaca	null	Jeff	11/22/2024	C:\Users\trist\Documents\Formatting\Output\Abaca_2024-11-22_processed.xlsx
Bill	Senate Bill No. 1978	2021	18th	An Act Declaring The Province Of Catanduanes As The Abaca Capital Of The Philippines	The State hereby recognizes the importance of abaca industry and development as a driver of rural development not only because ofits singular potential as a raw material that can increase the country’s export earnings tremendously, and put the name ofthe country in the map in the world for producing the biggest volume of abaca fiber, but for having provided livelihood to many small farmers in the countryside.	The bill seeks to establish Catanduanes Province as the “Abaca Capital of the Philippines” considering that it is the top abaca producer of the country and the world, and it contributes 90% abaca production in the Bicol Region.The bill seeks to promote and support the abaca industry in the province, while safeguarding it from destruction caused by plant diseases and calamitous events. Likewise, it seeks for the province to garner additional government support and budget allocation not only to maintain, promote, and protect the country’s abaca industry, but most importantly, to ensure Its sustainability forthe benefit of the farmers and other stakeholders.	https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/3425231052!.pdf	Abaca	null	Jeff	11/22/2024	C:\Users\trist\Documents\Formatting\Output\Abaca_2024-11-22_processed.xlsx
Resolution	House Resolution No. 1548	2017	17th	Resolution Directing The Committees On Agriculture And Food, And Poverty Alleviation, To Conduct A Joint Inquiry, In Aid Of Legislation, On The Apparent Government Neglect Of Abaca Farmers Of Northern Samar, Affected By The Abaca Bunchy Top Virus Epidemic, And Persistent Exploitative And Unfair Trade Practices	Local farmers from Northern Samar cried that the average yield of 200 kilograms dropped to 20 kilos per hectare; and in owrst incidents no single abaca crop survived the bunchy top infestation. Sadly, the PhilFIDA concentrated its abaca pest management program in Leyte, thus, not reaching Northern Samar. The Northern Samar Small Farmers Association (NSSFA) were able to bring up the issue of abaca farmers during a dialogue with the officials. The resolution instructs the Committee on Agriculture and Food, and Poverty Alleviation to conduct a joint inquiry on the apparent government neglect of abaca farmers of Northern Samar, ffected by the abaca industry bunchy top virus, and persistent exploitative and unfair trade practices.	The resolution seeks to investigate the apparent government neglect of abaca farmers in Northern Samar.	https://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/basic_17/HR01548.pdf	Abaca	null	Jeff	11/22/2024	C:\Users\trist\Documents\Formatting\Output\Abaca_2024-11-22_processed.xlsx
Bill	(1) House Bill No. 2038 (2) House Bill No. 4214	2016	17th	An Act Providing For The Establishment Of An Abaca Biotechnology Laboratory And Appropriating Funds Therefor	Under the supervision of the PhilFIDA, the Abaca Biotechnology Laboratory in the Bureau of Animal Industry Compound and Catanduanes Abaca Biotechnology Laboratory in Catanduanes shall be established. These laboratories shall provide diagnostic services, conduct research on improving abaca cropsm, and perform other duties as may be necessary to improve the fiber industry.	The bill aims to promote and support a strategic research and training development program in order to make a sustainable abaca industry.	http://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/basic_17/HB02038.pdf http://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/basic_17/HB04214.pdf	Abaca	null	Jeff	11/22/2024	C:\Users\trist\Documents\Formatting\Output\Abaca_2024-11-22_processed.xlsx
Guidelines/Strategies	Philippine National Standard for Abaca Fiber- Grading and Classification – Decorticated, PNS/BAFS 181:2016	2016	null	Philippine National Standard for Abaca Fiber- Grading and Classification – Decorticated, PNS/BAFS 181:2016	This Standard specifies requirements and establishes a system of grading and classifying of commercial grades of decorticated abaca fiber. In all normal grades subject to the special provisions for each grade under Section 5 and the tolerances allowed, decorticated abaca fiber shall meet the following requirements: – The tensile strength of the decorticated abaca fiber ranges from 19.5 to 32.6 kilogram force per gram meter (kgf/g.m). – The minimum length shall not be less than 60 centimeters. – The abaca fiber must be of uniform color according to the grade. – The abaca fiber must be of the same kind of decorticating. – The abaca fiber must not be soiled, stained or discolored and must be free from foreign matters.	This standard intends to provide specification on the requirements and grading quality of decorticated abaca fiber for local consumption and international trade.	http://www.philfida.da.gov.ph/images/Publications/PNS/PNSBAFS1812016AbacaFiberDecorticated.pdf	Abaca	null	Jeff	11/22/2024	C:\Users\trist\Documents\Formatting\Output\Abaca_2024-11-22_processed.xlsx
Guidelines/Strategies	Philippine National Standard for Abaca Fiber- Grading and Classification – Hand stripped and Spindle / Machine stripped, PNS/BAFS 180:2016	2016	null	Philippine National Standard for Abaca Fiber- Grading and Classification – Hand stripped and Spindle / Machine stripped, PNS/BAFS 180:2016	This Standard specifies requirements and establishes a system of grading and classifying of commercial grades hand-stripped and spindle/machine -stripped abaca fiber. In all normal grades subject to the special provisions for each grade and the tolerances allowed, hand-stripped and spindle/machine-stripped abaca fiber shall meet the following requirements: – The tensile strength of abaca fiber ranges from 35 to 55 kilogram force per gram meter (kgf/g.m). – The minimum length shall not be less than 60 centimeters – The abaca fiber must be of uniform color according to the grade. – The abaca fiber must be of the same kind of stripping. – The stripped abaca fiber must not be soiled, stained or discolored and must be free from foreign matters	This standard intends to provide specification on the requirements and grading quality of hand stripped and spindle/machine stripped abaca fiber for local consumption and international trade.	http://www.philfida.da.gov.ph/images/Publications/PNS/PNSBAFS1802016AbacaFiberHandstrippedandMachineStripped.pdf	Abaca	null	Jeff	11/22/2024	C:\Users\trist\Documents\Formatting\Output\Abaca_2024-11-22_processed.xlsx
Bill	House Bill No. 1133	2010	15th	An Act Providing Emergency Funds For The Abaca Industry To Address A Worsening Disease And Poor Production Technics	There shall be allocated an amount of two hundred million pesos (P200,000,000.00) through the FIDA to address the following concerns of the abaca industry farmers and its beneficiaries, to wit: a. to finance tissue culture laboratories that could provide solutions to that disease now plaguing the abaca industry b. to fund the creation of nurseries that could propagate diseases resitant varieties from culture laboratories in order to provide planting materials to farmers c. to develop better production techniques for purposes of increasing farmers income for their abaca produce.	This bill seeks to revitalize the abaca industry from the jaws of death by infusing much needed emergency funds to address the worsening disease now plaguing it and add vigor into research to improve the production that could enhance the marketing potential of abaca fiber.	http://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/basic_15/HB01133.pdf	Abaca	null	Jeff	11/22/2024	C:\Users\trist\Documents\Formatting\Output\Abaca_2024-11-22_processed.xlsx
Order	Executive Order No. 538	2006	null	An Order Repealing Executive Order No. 502 “Banning the Harvesting, Gathering, Buying, Selling and Mutilating of Matured And Young Leafsheaths Of Abaca Plants (Musa Textiles Nee) for Commercial Purposes”	The harvesting, gathering, buying, selling and mutilating of mature and young leafsheaths (locally known as “bakbak” or “umbak”) of abaca plant was prohibited by Executive Order No. 502, for the primary purpose of preventing the spread of abaca diseases which has affected certain areas in Southern Leyte and adjoining areas. The ban, however, resulted in a disruption in the material supply chain of furniture, furnishing and handicrafts exports that use “bakbak” or “umbak” as raw materials, thus resulting in significant economic losses to stakeholders. The Local Government units of disease-infected barangays in Southern Leyte and Leyte provinces are hereby encouraged to strictly implement their ordinances restricting the transport of “bakbak” or “umbak” until the abaca disease is sufficiently controlled.	The order seeks to repeal EO No. 502 s. 2006.	https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2006/07/04/executive-order-no-538-s-2006/	Abaca	null	Jeff	11/22/2024	C:\Users\trist\Documents\Formatting\Output\Abaca_2024-11-22_processed.xlsx
Law	Republic Act No. 9242	2004	12th	An Act Prescribing the Use of the Philippine Tropical Fabrics for Uniforms of Public Officials and Employees and for Other Purposes	The use of Philippine tropical fabrics is prescribed for official uniforms of government officials and employees and for the purposes which require the use of fabrics in government offices and functions. Philippine tropical fabrics used for the uniforms of government officials and employees, and for other government purposes shall be purchased from local sources in accordance with law. For the initial implementation of this Act, an amount of P60 Million from the Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization Act Fund was allotted to the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the promotion of the commercial production of plant fibers and for the conduct of continuing research on the improvement of the process of extracting plant fibers.	The law aims to instill patriotism and nationalism among the people, especially public officials and employees, who shall at all times be loyal to the Republic and the Filipino people, by requiring the use of Philippine tropical fabrics for official uniforms of government officials and employees.	https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2004/02/10/republic-act-no-9242/	Abaca	null	Jeff	11/22/2024	C:\Users\trist\Documents\Formatting\Output\Abaca_2024-11-22_processed.xlsx
Order	Executive Order No. 709, s. 1981	1981	null	Creating a Ministry of Trade and Industry	Under Section 8 of EO No. 709, the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) was established to absorb the functions of the abolished Bureau of Fiber and Inspection Service and of the Abaca Industry Development Authority. The new Authority falls under the administrative supervision of the then Minister of Agriculture, who shall undertake the integration of the functions, applicable appropriations, records, equipment, property, and such personnel as may be necessary, of the two abolished entities.	The order creates the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) .	https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1981/07/27/executive-order-no-709-s-1981/	Abaca	null	Jeff	11/22/2024	C:\Users\trist\Documents\Formatting\Output\Abaca_2024-11-22_processed.xlsx
Law	Presidential Decree No. 1208	1977	null	Creating The Abaca Industry Development Authority	The Abaca Industry Development Authority, referred to as the AIDA, was established and attached to the Department of Agriculture for the purpose of promoting the accelerated growth and development of the abaca industry in all its aspects. AIDA shall rationalize the research, production, processing, and marketing of abaca, and provide continued leadership and support for the integrated development of the industry.	The law seeks to create an agency that will regulate abaca production, processing, distribution, sale, transport and storage.	https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1977/10/08/presidential-decree-no-1208-s-1977/	Abaca	null	Jeff	11/22/2024	C:\Users\trist\Documents\Formatting\Output\Abaca_2024-11-22_processed.xlsx
Law	Republic Act No. 4967	1967	6th	An Act Extending the Life of the Abaca and Other Fibers Development Board, Maintaining its Own Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes	The Program shall cover the following phases: 1. Production and distribution of planting materials to be disposed of at nominal costs, for the rehabilitation of depleted plantations and expansion to newly-opened areas; 2. Improvement and operation of fiber extraction methods to reduce the cost of production and improve the quality of the fibers; 3. Development, establishment and promotion of new industries using abaca and other fibers as raw materials; 4. Abaca and other fibers scientific, agricultural, industrial and commercial research; 5. Abaca and other fibers local and foreign trade promotion; and 6. General administration.	The law aims to rehabilitate and expand the abaca and other fibers industry of the country to maintain its world supremacy and the world demand for abaca and other Philippine fibers and their by-products, and to provide adequate measures to ensure permanent stability in the production and consumption of abaca and other fibers.	https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1967/ra_4967_1967.html	Abaca	null	Jeff	11/22/2024	C:\Users\trist\Documents\Formatting\Output\Abaca_2024-11-22_processed.xlsx

Data Source: Philippine Statistics Authority. 1990-2023.

Notes:

Volume of production of Abaca (dried raw fiber) in metric tons
Area of production of abaca in hectares
Yield of abaca in metric tons
Value of Production at Current Prices in Million PhP
Value of Production at Constant 2018 Prices in Million PhP

Wholesale Price, Abaca Handstripped, (Old Series:1990-2009), peso per kilogram
Wholesale Price, Abaca Handstripped, (New Series:2010-2023), peso per kilogram
Farmgate Price, Abaca (Old Series:1990-2009), peso per kilogram
Farmgate Price, Abaca (New Series:2010-2023), peso per kilogram

ISP for Abaca

The ISP for abaca aims to improve and aid in sustaining the country’s stand as the world’s leading producer of abaca through varietal improvement, pest and disease management, and product development and value addition to increase farm productivity, thereby increasing the farmers’ income.

Strategic R&D

Strategic R&D is DOST-PCAARRD’s banner program comprising all R&D activities that are intended to
generate outputs geared towards maximum economic and social benefits

Abaca Functional Genomics

As the world’s top exporter of abaca, the Philippines earns around US$80 million annually. Although the country maintains its lead...

Advanced Evaluation of Abaca Hybrids

To meet the potential demand of abaca fibers for the pulp and paper industry, DOST-PCAARRD funded a project titled “Advanced...

High-yielding and Bunchy Top-resistant abaca hybrids

The project titled “Revitalizing the Abaca Industry through S&T Interventions for Higher Crop Productivity Using High-Yielding and Bunchy Top- Resistant...

Mapping the Distribution of Abaca Bunchy Top and Analyzing Epidemic Risks

The project titled “Mapping the Distribution of Abaca Bunchy Top in Different Cropping Systems and Analyzing Epidemic Risks in the...

Products, equipment, and protocols or process innovations developed to improve productivity, efficiency,
quality, and profitability in the agriculture and aquatic industries, and to achieve sustainable
utilization and management of natural resources

Abaca stripping machines

With the abaca stripping machine, four persons can harvest one hectare of abaca plantation in 7-8 days. It weighs only 93 kg and can be dismantled and carried in areas...

Technology transfer initiatives ensure that the outputs of R&D and innovations are transformed
into viable and applicable technologies that help intended users

S&T-Based Farm for Field Validation of Abaca Hybrids for Rehabilitation and Nursery Management in Sogod, Southern Leyte

The project aimed to elevate the socio-economic status of abaca farmers in the Community Empowerment thru S&T (CEST) communities in Sogod, Southern Leyte by making the new technologies on the...

Capacity building efforts of DOST-PCAARRD seek to develop and enhance the R&D capabilities of researchers
and academic or research institutions through graduate assistantships & non-degree trainings
and development and/or upgrading of research facilities

Infrastructure Development

Manpower Development

Two Graduates students from Stanford University visited the laboratory last 17 June 2019

Training-workshop on “Abaca Virus Detection and Indexing, and Data Collection”

Training on abaca nursery and field management in Panganiban, Catanduanes

Training on abaca nursery and field management in Bato, Catanduanes

Textile prepared from abaca hybrids as shown in the Regional S&T week exhibits last 7-10 August 2018

Students doing potting, abaca tuxying, and transplanting of abaca cultures in the laboratory (Batch 1)

Orientation of the students and hands on activities in the laboratory (Batch 2)

Orientation and actual media preparation for abaca tissue culture (Batch 3)

Mr. Jhonel Albao, DOST scholar, on his OJT

Catanduanes Abaca Stakeholders and Farmers Consultative Forum

Students during their immersion activities at the Tissue Culture Laboratory

Policy Research & Advocacy

Analysis of policy concerns and advocacy of science-informed policies ensures that the AANR policy environment is conducive for S&T development and investments

Competitiveness of Philippine Abaca Industry under the ASEAN Economic Community

Abaca production in the Philippines was competitive under export trade and import substitution scenarios. Exporting abaca is an excellent opportunity for the country to earn foreign exchange since the Philippines can compete globally. To sustain the country’s competitiveness in abaca, yield (22.56 mt/ha) must not decline by 82 percent, or domestic cost must not increase by 104 percent.

Reference:

Lapiña, G. F. and Andal, E. T. (2017). ASEAN Economic Community: Opportunities and Challenges for the Crops Sector. Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines: Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources

PCAARRD's Industry Strategic Science and Technology Programs