Manila – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has emphasized the need for advancement and promotion of the Philippine fibercrop industry, aiming to spur economic growth and provide more livelihood opportunities. In a message delivered to the 2023 National Fibercrops Summit on Tuesday, Marcos called upon the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) to persist in supporting the sector to capitalize on new development opportunities. The President stressed the importance of PhilFIDA's role in providing research, production, education, and trade regulation support to enable the fiber industry to grow and evolve.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos, this summit represents a significant step towards a resilient and prosperous future for the fibercrop industry. He expressed his confidence that the event would serve as a productive platform for idea generation, collaboration, and future success for the nation. The President also expressed hope that combined efforts of the government, growers, farmers associations, and the private sector could initiate a new era of growth and development in the agriculture sector, contributing to national progress. He pledged continued government support to improve the lives of Filipino farmers and promote economic prosperity in rural communities.
PhilFIDA, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), plays a crucial role in promoting the growth and development of the fiber industry in the Philippines, including crops like abaca (Manila hemp) and cotton. This year's summit, held at the DA - Bureau of Soils and Water Management convention hall in Diliman, Quezon City, focused on addressing challenges in the fibercrop industry, including issues related to fiber quality, market demand, quality standards, and trade regulations. The theme of this year's summit, 'HIBLA BIDA!!!,' highlighted priority fibercrops such as abaca, cotton, piña, salago, and silk.