Chapter I

Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Philippines is the center of origin of Abaca (Halos, 2008; Lalusin, 2010 as cited by
Bande, 2012). The Abaca plant was first described by Don Luis Nee (1801) who gave the
earliest confirmation that abaca is indigenous to the Philippines (Bande, 2012).
Abaca (Musa textilis), is closely related to edible banana (Musa acuminate and M.
balbisiana), that is indigenous to the understory of the Philippines tropical lowland evergreen
rainforests (Tabora Jr., 1978; Halos, 2008; Sievert, 2009 as cited by Bande, 2012).
Abaca, known internationally as Manila hemp, is grown primarily for its fibers. The
fiber is extracted from the leaf sheath around the trunk of the abaca plant. Due to its superior
tensile strength and proven durability under seawater (Lalusin, 2010 as cited by Bande,
2012), theres no wonder why it is considered as one ofthe sturdiest of natural fibers. One
major factor that makes the commodity highly competitive in the market compared to other
natural hard fibers is its quality. The fibers of Abaca are utilized as raw materials in the pulp
and paper, cordage and twine, yarns and threads, and fibercraft business.
The Philippines provides 83.4% of the world supply of fiber. The Abaca industry
contributes US$80.6 million every year to the Philippine economy (Biolife, 2005), making it
one of the major source of income for Filipinos. It continues to be one of the countrys major
pillars in terms of employment generation and foreign exchange earnings. The industry
sustains more than 1.5 million Filipinos who, directly or indirectly, depend on it for a living.
Direct dependents include abaca farmers, classifiers/sorters, manufacturers, traders, exporters
and hundreds of fibercraft processors who provide employment to thousands of Filipinos.
(Fiber Industry Development Authority )
One of the three major abaca-producing regions in the country is Region XI-Davao
Region, which supplies 14.98% of the total national abaca production for 2008.From 1999 to
2008, the area harvested for abaca in the Philippines grew by an average of 2.49 percent. In
2008, in terms of area harvested, Eastern Visayas Region remains on top with 44,943.2
hectares accounting for 32.68 of the total area harvested in the Philippines. This is followed
closely by Bicol Region with 42,662 hectares or 31.02 percent of the national total. Davao
Region and ARMM harvested 9,912 and 7,914.3 hectares respectively.

Page 1 of 17

1.2 Objectives of the Study

The objectives of the study are:
1. To map out the supply chain of abaca fiber;
2. To determine the different actors in the chain and understand their functions;
3. To assess the benefits and opportunities in Abaca production; and
4. To identify problems encountered in Abaca production.

1.3 Significance of the Study

The Philippines provides 83.4% of the world supply of fiber. The abaca industry
contributes US$80.6 million every year to the Philippine economy. There are 68, 492 abaca
farmers in the Philippines and 1.5 million Filipinos are sustained by the industry (Biolife,
2005).
Abaca fiber production is a good source of livelihood and is one of the pillars in
employment and export earnings. It is important especially for its significant economic value.
The study of supply chain abaca fiber would help trace how the abaca fiber is delivered from
the farm to the local processors. It would eventually show the distribution and allocation of
abaca to the intermediaries and to the local processors. By identifying the weak and strong
links in the chain, the researchers would be able to address issues that the abaca industry is
facing. The recommendations that the researchers derived are helpful especially to the
farmers. The study helps in the decision-making of the players in the major problems and
issues of the abaca industry.
1.4 Scope and Limitations
This study would focus on the supply chain of abaca fiber production from the
farmers up to the abaca processors. This study does not include annual income of members
on the supply chain. This study, however, would be limited to the Abaca production in Davao
City only.
Unfortunately, not all players in the chain are accessible due to their respective
locations and conflict of schedules. The researchers have sent letters to the players from Sasa,
Toril, Ilang and Lanang Davao City. However they have not replied. Consequently, only
Page 2 of 17

oneof the government units spearheading the development of the Abaca fiber industry was
interviewed, namely the Fiber Industry Development Authority Region XI for it is the most
accessible. Since not all players are accessible, resources and other information of the said
supply chain were provided and gathered through the interview conducted at FIDA Region
XI.

Chapter II
Review of Related Literature
Philippines is the center of origin of Abaca (Halos, 2008; Lalusin, 2010 as cited by
Bande, 2012). The Abaca plant was first described by Don Luis Nee (1801) who gave the
earliest confirmation that abaca is indigenous to the Philippines (Bande, 2012).
Abaca (Musa textilis Nee), is closely related to edible banana (Musa acuminate and
M. balbisiana) that is indigenous to the understory of the Philippines tropical lowland
evergreen rainforest (Bande, 2012).
Abaca, known worldwide as Manila hemp, thrives well in some parts of the
Philippines given their good soil types and climatic condition. It provides livelihood to abaca
farmers and manufacturers, generates employment in the abaca manufacturing industry and
contributes foreign exchange earnings to the countrys economy. In 2006, total export
earnings from abaca fibers and manufacturers reached US$90.68 million (Lantican, 2008).
According to Loren Legarda as Tacio noted in his article "We have to push all
commercial uses of abaca. Once fully developed, this industry can be a huge driver of
economic and jobs growth," (Tacio, 2010). Abacas economic importance is one of the main
reasons why the government is pushing for abacas further development.
The Department of Agriculture through the Fiber Industry Development Authority
(FIDA) supports this initiative as a productivity-enhancing measure to increase the supply of
abaca. Considering these developments, it is important to provide an update of the abaca
industry focusing on the status, market potential, priority issues and suggested directions to
further develop the industry (Lantican,2008).
Due to the importance of abaca industry to the country, the Laguna-based Philippine
Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development
(PCARRD), one of the five sectorial councils under the Department of Science and
Page 3 of 17

Technology (DOST), has funded a study entitled Supply Chain of Abaca Fiber in Selected
Areas in the Philippines: Phase 1.
The study found that the abaca fiber production has been relatively stagnant.
"Although abaca is indigenous to the Philippines, its production cannot seem to catch up with
local and international consumption," it disclosed (Tacio, 2010).
Abaca is a fibrous crop indigenous to the Philippines and is one of the country's top
export products accounting for 84% of the world's total abaca fiber production. In the last
decade, it contributed an average of $76.8 million annually in export earnings (PACCRD,
2006 as cited by Martin et al, 2010).
Although Abaca is indigenous to the Philippines, its production cannot seem to catch
up with local and international consumption. Data from the National Statistical Coordination
Board (NSCB, 2007) showed that abaca export has declined at the rate of 2.8% per annum
primarily due to its declining average yield. Furthermore, the growth of abaca fiber
production (0.37%) could not keep up with the growth of domestic abaca fiber consumption
(1.32% per year)(Martin et al, 2010).
Low productivity can be attributed to inadequate abaca replanting effort, declining
area planted to abaca, farmer's non-adoption of recommended technologies, limited valueadding and/or value-creating options at the farm level, and inclement weather. Farm
production practices and disease infestation also add to the diminishing abaca
production(Martin et al, 2010).
A mismatch in gross demand-supply of Abaca fiber production shown in Figure 1 has
a serious implication on the country's export if not promptly augmented.

Source: Martin & Brown

Page 4 of 17

According to the supply chain study, the key problem of the abaca industry is the
prevailing industry practice, among farmers, of selling 'all-in'. Trading this way means that
farmers do not classify the fibers nd sell them in bulk at very low prices, regardless of its
fiber grade(Martin et al, 2010).
As a result, farmers could not see the benefits of adopting improved production and
stripping technologies since they could not charge the price premium associated with good
quality fiber. Poor quality abaca results from the inadequate technical knowledge of the
farmers in classifying the fibers, non-utilization of abaca stripping device, and lack of
storage/postharvest facility(Martin et al, 2010).
As low quality abaca fiber is traded in the existing supply chain, there occurs a wide
disparity in prices between the farm gate price and that of the grading and baling
establishments (GBE). This is because the traders, who buy "all in" at very low prices,
reclassify the abaca fiber according to its quality and sell these to GBEs at premium prices.
The Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA), on the other hand, certifies the
quality/grade of abaca only at the GBE level(Martin et al, 2010).
The government has also allotted PHP4.1 million to rehabilitate and expand abaca
plantation in some provinces. The rehabilitationwhich will be led by the National Abaca
Research Centerincludes the mass production of laylay and inosa varieties as well
providing disease-resistant breeds and capability building for farmers to further train,
establish and manage nurseries for tissue-cultured plantlets. Within two years, the NARC is
expecting a 200,000 plantlets of virus-resistant abaca planting materials that will increase
production and be a good source of virus-free planting materials (Delmo, 2012).

Page 5 of 17

Chapter III
Methodology
4.1 Research Method
The study made use of an interview as its primary method of research. The secondary
source of data was sourced out from some thesis, existing studies, documentary analysis and
impact evaluation studies.
4.2 Research Design
The study will make use of the information gathered from interviews and literature
reviews as its research design.
4.3 Research Locale
The interview of one of the government units spearheading the development of the
Abaca fiber industry was conducted at Magsaysay, Davao City. However, not all actors are
interviewed due to the fact that they are inaccessible in terms of location, due to time
constraint and the risks to the researchers.
4.4 Research Tools
During interview process, a series of question were asked by the researchers regarding
the production of abaca fibers in the locality. The questions are pointed directly at the cost of
production, types of abaca that are best for production, harvest yield, factors that can affect
abaca production and etc.
4.5 Data Analysis
The goal of the study is to analyze the data from the interview. Data are gathered to
know the disadvantages and advantages that are present. With this, the researchers will be
able to analyze the problems that are involved in the study.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Factors that Affect Abaca Production in the Farm
Abaca production is highly affected by the cultural management practices of farmers.
Onecustom is the suitability of the soil or the land preparation. Abaca is best planted in loam
Page 6 of 17

soil, volcanic soil or sandy loam soil with a distance that must range from 2.5 to 3 meters.
The season or climate is another factor for it should be planted in a temperature ranging from
21 to 27 degrees centigrade. The onset of rainy season in which there is a cool climate is the
preferred time for planting. Another factor is the topography. It should be planted in
modulating topography not more than 1500 meters above sea level. Selection of the variety of
abaca also matters. Tanggongon, Boholanon and Mindanao are the best varieties of abaca to
be planted because they are proven to have greater yield than other varieties. A disease-free
environment is also what an abaca plantation needs. One major problem in management of
farms is that there is the lack of planting materials that are free from diseases.Like any other
crops, it has natural enemies and these are the pests and insects. When pests infest in an abaca
plant, it should be treated right away to avoid transmission of diseases to other plants that are
not infected. Some farmers invest on clean culture weeding in every 2 months or depending
on the owner of the farms.
Compatibility and Marketability of Abaca Fiber
Abaca is environment friendly. It is compatible and can be intercropped with forest
crops, fruit trees and other high value crops. It also does not harm the living of humans
making it a good material for agro forestation. Products that are made from mainly abaca
fibers are biodegradable. The high demand of abaca fibers results from considerable
factors.One is the opening of markets which require teabags, cigarettes, and meat casings in
specialty paper made of abaca. Another are the growing popularity of abaca fabric and the
increasing demand for special paper for stencil paper, currency paper, filters, high-tech
capacitor papers, and other non-woven and disposable products. The automotive industry
demands also for abaca fibers for the production of fillers. Most of these markets develop in
other countries making abaca fiber a product for export, but still the demand is not definite.
There is a worldwide preference for environmentally-friendly products as replacement to
synthetic materials which makes abaca fiber more marketable.
Government Interventions
The government intervenes in the chain by giving funds whenever there are
calamities. In fact, 24 million pesos was given by our administration to recover from the
damages caused by typhoon Pablo. It is forecasted that the abaca industry in Region 11
recovers in 2 years. The government also initiates agencies like FIDA and DENR that
promote abaca.

Page 7 of 17

Supply Chain of Abaca Fiber

Source: Fiber Industry Development Authority Region 11 (FIDA XI)

Market Flow
From the producer/farmer/stripper, the abaca fiber is sold at an "all-in" basis to the
barangay dealer. At this stage, fibers are sold ungraded due to farmers general lack of
knowledge of the grading/classification system. The fiber goes further to the town/city
dealers. To some extent the farmers sell directly to exporters/grading and baling
establishments (GBEs). In some cases, farmers' cooperatives/associations have a direct link to
domestic processors.
Actors in the Abaca Industry
Generally, the abaca industry is made up of six major groups of industry players:
farmers, strippers, classifiers, traders, fiber exporters and processors/manufacturers. All the
players, except farmers, are required to secure a permit from FIDA.

Abaca Farmers
The farmers are the cultivators of abaca. Their primary works are the maintenance of
farm and harvesting of abaca fibers. In the latest report of FIDA, as of 2010, there were about
107,178 abaca farmers cultivating a total area of 167,145 hectares or an average of 1.6
hectares per farmer. Moreover, there were 470 farmers recorded in Toril, Davao City. The
farmers are considered the weakest player in the chain for most of them are poor and they
lackfinancial assistance for trainings and seminars for biological pest control. When the
season is during or near the enrolment of their children, most of the farmers tend to include
the immature abaca in the aim of higher profit. However, it is monitored that there are vast
potential farm areas for abaca development.
Strippers
Page 8 of 17

Strippers extract the fibers, either by manual (hand) or mechanical means. Abaca
extraction is 80 percent manual and only one percent of the fiber is recovered. Mechanical
means involve a stripping machine that costs about P45,000. The expensiveness of the
machine is the reason why most abaca producers retain in the manual way to extract fiber.
Included in the stripping work are harvesting of stalks, tuxying and drying of fibers. Tuxying
refers to the removal of the leafsheaths; distinct grades of the fiber are produced according to
the sequence of the leafsheaths. Farmersdo air dry the fiber in temporary shades. This is one
reason why farms are established in areas with plenty of foliage.The strippers are paid on a
pre-determined system in which they receive 50 to 70 percent of the harvest depending on the
prevailing practice agreed upon. It is observed that the number of abaca strippers is declining
due to more profitable jobs offered in the cities.
Classifiers
Classifiers sort and grade the fibers based on the standards set by the government.
Standards are set according to the texture of abaca fiber and the method used to extract.
Prices of abaca vary on the different grades. FIDA monitors the price of fiber every week and
it is observed that the changes in the prices of abaca are not that substantial. The most
common grades of abaca fiber are:

Excellent:
Normal:
Good:
Fair:
Residual:
Decorticated:
Coarse:

AD,EF, S2, S3
S2, S3, I, G, H, JK, M1
I, G, H
JK, M1
Y, OT, WS
AD-1, AD-2, AD
L

Traders
Trading is done at different levels depending on the location of the farmers and where
the accumulation of fiber is done. Hence, there are traders in the barangay, town, province,
city and region. In each level, the pricing system includes mark-up attributable to the service
provided by the trader.
Traders are classified depending on the volume of fibers traded. A Class A trader sells
more than 75,000 kilos of fiber per year; Class B trader more than 50,000 kilos per year;
Class C trader more than 25,000 kilos per year and Class D trader 25,000 kilos and below.
As of 2010, there are 438 licensed abaca traders and 16 licensed abaca trader-exporters. Local

Page 9 of 17

town traders greatly profit in the process because they only increase the price of fiber and
sell. They also tend to have association which results into direct marketing of produce.
Grading and Baling Establishments or Fiber Exporters
The fiber exporters, also known as grading and baling establishments (GBEs), operate
in major abaca regions and usually maintain liaison offices in Metro Manila. It is in this
sector where abaca fibers, whether for local or foreign consumption, are graded and baled,
using high density presses, into 125 kg of 100 cm.x 55 cm. x 60 cm. bundles per specific
fiber grade. There are 13 licensed grading-baling establishments operating in the country.
Three of these are located at Lanang, Toril, and Ilang, Davao City. Theycompete to acquire a
supplier in the Davao region, thats why they need to develop their own marketing strategies.
Processors
1. Pulp Millers
As of 2010, there are six abaca pulp companies operating in the Philippines, one in
Laguna, two in Bicol, two in Leyte and one in Mindanao. The companies have wellestablished market networks for their pulp which are principally destined for the world
market.
2. Cordage Manufacturers
There are currently six cordage firms operating in the various parts of the country:
two in Metro Manila, one each in Albay, Cebu and Davao. Davao Rope Company is situated
at Sasa, Davao City.They use abaca fiber as the principal raw material for rope, cordage and
twine manufacturing. Blending with other natural fibers like maguey is done depending on
the specifications of the buyers.
3. Fibercrafts Manufacturers
The fibercraft sector, which includes handmade papermaking, rugs and carpet
manufacturing and handloom weaving, is primarily a cottage-based industry. Operating
mostly in the countryside, the sector is a major source of livelihood especially to the
womenfolk and out-of-school youth. However, some fibercraft products are of low quality.
Several of these manufacturers have successfully established their markets abroad especially
through their unique, functional and creative designs.
The handloom weaving sector produces abaca fabrics which are used as raw material
for making novelty and household items, as dcor and wrapping material as well as for high
fashion wear and accessories. Some abaca weaves are blended with metallic thread or
Page 10 of 17

polyester while others have printed, striped and ethnic designs to suit the varying needs of the
market. The industry is mainly found in Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas,
CentralVisayas and in Southern Mindanao where particularly in the latter, indigenous people
from the upland areas are actively engaged in tinalak and dagmay weaving. Production
of new product lines for fashion wear and accessories and specialty/novelty items is mostly
based in Metro Manila.
4. Other Processors
Other processors include manufacturers of machine-woven carpet, dartboard pads as
well as the makers of furniture who are now using abaca fiber and bacbac. One is the
TADECO Livelihood Handicrafts which is located at Panabo City.

FIDA Region 11
Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) is a government agency that promotes
the accelerated growth and development of the Philippine fiber industry in all its aspects
including research, production, processing, marketing and trade regulation. The abaca fiber
does not go to FIDA but the agency is still somehow considered as part of the chain because
it interacts with the players especially the farmers, strippers and grading and baling
establishments to have quality control and to address issues in the supply of abaca fiber. The
institution conducts meetings, fairs, and exhibits for the promotion of abaca. The agency also
collaborates with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to promote abaca
fiber because it can help in climate mitigation.

STEEP Analysis
Social

Technological

The abaca fiber production provides employment to the people within the
community. It gives them opportunity to earn and support their families
through the stable income they receive in working. Thus, this promotes a
stable community and socio-habitation that rely on a legal and good source
of livelihood.
Business and production involves processes, which includes the use of
Page 11 of 17

Environmenta
l
Economical

Political

machineries like the portable stripping machine to hasten abaca fiber

production. In this way, there is a reduction in the risk of using the manual
production methods. Still most of the farmers opt to manual production due
to high cost of machineries.
Abaca fiber is environmental friendly. The finished products it provides are
biodegradable. Abaca plantations also promote ecological balance because it
gives no harm to humans and animals.
It is easy for local farmers to enter abaca fiber production businesses
because there is the availability of high yielding abaca varieties and the vast
potential areas for abaca development. Income is productively generated
from farmers to the municipal or the city, and even to exporters.
The government develops researches and the quality control standards.
Business organizations, cooperatives and corporations pay higher taxes to
the government. Consequently, more money is contributed in the community
projects, which promote welfare of the people.

Page 12 of 17

SWOT Analysis
The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were also gathered from FIDA XI. There
are three aspects of the supply chain which requires different strategies. These are the
production, processing and marketing. The researchers formulated some strategies from the
abaca industrys strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

Page 13 of 17

SWOT Matrix

Opportunities
1. Production of high
grades of abaca fiber
(S2 & 1) which are
highly demanded in
pulp sector
2. Source of income to
many Filipinos in
upland areas
3. Abaca is environment
friendly and good
material for agro
forestation
Threats
1. Uncontrolled viral
diseases
2. Shortage of disease free
planting materials
3. Mixture of spurious
fibers with true abaca
fiber
4. Natural calamities/bad
weather will affect
production
5. Limited number of
next generation abaca
strippers

Strengths
1. Abaca is compatible with
forest crops, fruit trees
and other high value crop
2. Availability of high
yielding abaca varieties
3. Vast potential farm areas
for abaca development
4. Available design of abaca
stripping machine/fiber
extraction equipment
5. Available trainers for
fiber craft
production/handicraft
6. Government support and
FIDA
S-O Strategies
Produce more of the high
grades of abaca fiber by
using the high yielding
abaca varieties (S2,O1)
Train people from poor
areas to enter the fiber
craft production (S5, O2)
Promotion of
environment friendly
products to firms and
processors (S1, O3)

Weaknesses
1. Lack of disease free
abaca planting materials
2. Low adoption of
improved abaca
technology by farmers
3. Lack of financial
assistance to abaca
farmers
4. Low quality of fiber
craft products
5. No definite demand
volume

W-O Strategies
Conduct trainings in
shifting to improved
abaca technology (W2,
O2)
Forecasting demand
based on the season and
behavior of markets
(W5, O3)

S-T Strategies
W-T Strategies
Constant monitoring of
Weeding on a regular
plantation (S1, T1, T2)
basis & studying
Immediate hiring of youth
mechanisms and other
and introduction of the
alternatives to minimize
stripping machine as the
diseases (W1, T1)
Abaca plant protection
new technology for
extraction (S4, T3)
by the use of technology
Preparedness in
(W2, T1)
calamities and proper
utilization of government
funds (S6, T4)

Page 14 of 17

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The study aims to map the supply chain of abaca fibers from Toril, Davao City. It is
found out that the chain consists of farmers, strippers, classifiers, grading and baling
establishments and processors. Local farmers produce the abaca by following the correct
cultural management practices. Then upon harvesting, abaca fibers are then extracted by
method of mechanical spindle stripping (use of machine) or hand stripping (manual). After it
is extracted, local farmers will sell them to the local town traders. Then, local town traders
will sell it to the GBEs (Grading and Bailing Establishments). They buy the abaca fiber in a
graded/classified fiber pricing. They also classify the fiber according to grade specified by
FIDA. Then, they will sell the graded fibers to processors which are pulp millers, cordage
manufacturers and fibercrafts manufacturers.
Abaca industry is an important business in the country because it supplies more than
80% of the worlds natural abaca fiber. The modern markets demand for environment friendly
making it a sector that must be further developed. With its high demand and wide range of
products, it is easy to enter the abaca industry due to availability of high yielding varieties,
vast areas for development and assistance of the government. Farmers get the lowest margin
of profit while traders get the largest. Farmers major disadvantage is the lack of knowledge
to grow. On the other hand, direct marketing is the traders advantage.
It is recommended for farmers to plant the recommended high yielding varieties in
order to produce high grades of fiber. Farmers must also be encouraged to involve on
trainings for biological pest control to minimize pest infestation and losses. Weeding on a
regular basis is also recommended. Investment in the stripping machine must be considered
to produce more of the high grades of abaca which is largely in demand. T/here must be
immediate hiring of strippers to counter the declining number of abaca strippers.
Manufacturers need to forecast demand based on the season and behavior of markets. Lastly,
the government agencies like FIDA must continue and improve the support systems and the
research development for abaca.

References

Page 15 of 17

Agriculture Business Week. The Philippine Abaca Industry (n.d.). Retrieved on January 26,
2013 from http://www.agribusinessweek.com/the-philippine-abaca-industry/
Biolife. (2005, July-September). Quezon City, Philippines. Retrieved on January 25, 2013,
from http://www.bic.searca.org/bmarc/biolife_jul_sep05.pdf
Bande, M. M. (2012, July). Ecophysiological and Agronomic Response of Abaca (Musa
textilis) to Different Resource Conditions in Leyte Island, Philippines. Stuttgart.
Retrieved on January 25, 2013, from https://www.unihohenheim.de/fileadmin/einrichtungen/uplands2012/fullpaper/Bande.etal.Abaca.pdf
Delmo, G. (2012, April 5). Abaca: The Philippine fiber. Retrieved on January 25, 2013, from
http://www.fareasternagriculture.com/crops/agriculture/abaca-the-philippine-fiber
Fiber Industry Development Authority. (n.d.). Abaca. Retrieved on January 27, 2013,
fromhttp://fida.da.gov.ph/Templates/abaca_history.htm
Fiber Industry Development Authority (n.d.). Abaca Production and Market Scenario.
Retrievedon January 27, 2013, from
http://fida.da.gov.ph/Templates/abaca_production_and_market_scenario.htm
Fiber Industry Development Authority (n.d.). Abaca Industry Players.
Retrieved on January 26, 2013, from
http://fida.da.gov.ph/Templates/abaca_industry_players.htm
Fiber Industry Development Authority (n.d.). Abaca History.
Retrieved onJanuary 28, 2013, from
http://fida.da.gov.ph/Templates/abaca_history.htm
Fiber Industry Development Authority (n.d.). Abaca Opportunities.
Retrieved on January 25, 2013, from
http://fida.da.gov.ph/Templates/abaca_opportunities.htm
Lantican, F. A. (2008). The Philippine Abaca Industry: Status, Market Potential, Priority
Issues and Directions. Agricultural & Applied Economics Research Bulletin, 7.
Retrivied on January 25, 2013, from
http://journals.uplb.edu.ph/index.php/AAERB/article/viewFile/46/44
Martin, A. J.,et al (2010, January-March). Untangling the worried weave of the Philippine
abaca industry. The PCARRD Monitor, 10. Retrieved on January 25, 2013, from
http://publications.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/pcarrd/downloads/Jan-Mar_2010Monitor_beta.pdf
Tacio, H. (2010, July 18). Abaca: The countrys premier natural fiber. Retrieved on January
25, 2013, from http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/abaca-countrys-premier-naturalfiber

Appendix
Page 16 of 17

Questionaire for the interview:

Name:
Age:
Position in the company/ industry/ organization:
Government unit:
Questions:
1.)
2.)
3.)
4.)
5.)
6.)
7.)

What are the methods in planting Abaca?

What are the factors that can affect Abaca production/plantation?
What are the methods in making Abaca fiber?
How can Abaca fiber production affect the lives of Abaca farmers?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the industry?
What are the threats and opportunities of the industry?
What are the socio-cultural, technological, environmental, ecconomical and polical

factors of the industry?

8.) What are the different players in the industry?
9.) What are the different practices of farmers and the technologies involved?
10.) Does the supply of the Abaca fiber meet the demands of manufacturers and
consumers?
11.) What is the market flow of Abaca fiber and who benefits the most and the least?
12.) What is the functions of FIDA XI in abaca fiber industry?

Page 17 of 17