By Xander Ledesma
In response to surging global demand for natural fibers, the Philippine Fiber Development Authority (PhilFIDA) in Central Visayas is expanding initiatives to develop alternative fiber sources beyond abaca, an effort aimed at boosting production and diversifying supply to meet market needs.
PhilFIDA’s fiber development officer in Cebu, Lionel Abella, said Thursday that the agency is working with farmers in Tuburan and Ginatilan, Cebu, to cultivate “sisal” and “salago” plants, which are promising alternatives to abaca. This project, launched this year, aims to establish a 16-hectare sisal plantation and a five-hectare salago area in Ginatilan, with funding of PHP 1.2 million allocated for planting materials, labor, and machinery.
Sisal, a plant known for its robust fibers, is primarily used in rope production, while salago, also called the bootlace bush, yields durable fibers used in various products. Abella noted that the agency’s support includes providing machinery for efficient fiber extraction, especially given that local farmers initially relied on bamboo tools to manually process sisal fiber.
Abella explained that demand for abaca fiber, traditionally sourced from the Philippines, has surged due to its environmental benefits, as industries worldwide shift from synthetic fibers to natural, sustainable alternatives. Abaca, also known as Manila hemp, is increasingly used in electronic devices, automotive components, and eco-friendly packaging. The Philippines currently supplies about 85 percent of the world’s abaca, but PhilFIDA sees an opportunity to further expand fiber production to meet global needs.
The increased interest in sustainable fibers reflects the shift among industries, especially the automotive and electronics sectors, which are moving away from plastics due to environmental concerns. The Philippines’ natural fiber industry, anchored by abaca production, plays a key role globally; Central Visayas alone produced 311.8 metric tons of abaca in 2021, according to the Industry Strategic Science and Technology Plans Platform.
The Philippines’ reputation as the leading exporter of abaca fiber positions it uniquely to capitalize on this trend, with applications for the material ranging from textiles and carpets to fishing lines, medical supplies, and biodegradable packaging.