BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – Anabo (Abroma augusta), commonly known as “Devil’s Cotton,” is among the underutilized minor forest products in the province of Apayao.
Devil’s cotton is a shrub that can grow to two meters high. It is named “devil’s cotton” for its poisonous nature and prickly hairs that can cause irritation.
According to Provincial Science and Technology Office-Apayao Director Debbie Glynn Manangkil, Anabo is one of the traditional sources of fibers. She said that people before gather the bark of the shrub, pound it until it softens, and make use of it as their clothing.
Dr. Maria Christina Manicad, director of the Research and Development of the Apayao State College and project leader, said they saw the potential of the Anabo. In 2022, they submitted a proposal to study the morphological characteristics of Anabo and its possible means of instruction.
After a series of reviews, the proposal was approved in 2022 for two-year implementation under the Local Grants and Aid Program of the Department of Science and Technology. With a funding of about P937,000.00, the project started in March 2024.
“Nawala ang atensyon ng community, local partners, farmers sa utilization ng Anabo. Nagkaroon tayo ng interes na maging subject or maging commodity ito,” Manicad said.
Using the natural textile innovation hub provided by the Philippine Textile Research Institute to the ASC, they extracted the natural fiber out of Anabo.
“In order for us to really have a good and reliable information regarding the fiber, we plan to conduct and to subject ‘yung extracted photonized fiber po niya for another laboratory test para ma-confirm po natin ‘yung previous results na mataas, medyo mababa lang po sa strength niya pero binabalanse po ng fineness ng fiber. Sinunod naming ang procedure sa pag-extract sa fiber ng banana, dapat sana ang susundin ay procedure extract ng pineapple,” Manicad explained.
Manicad said the anabo fiber is comparable to the pineapple fiber.
The laboratory for the standardization of its fiber is ongoing before it will be brought out for final utilization.
Part of the project is the establishment of plantation sites to sustain the raw materials for future use. The ASC also plans to plant the commodity in the experimental site of school in Flora.
“Proud po kami na sabihin na si Apayao State College ay nagkaroon ng innovation in order to support ‘yung natural textile fiber innovation project po, with the DOST PTRI, DOST-CAR and Provincial Government of Apayao – convergence project.”
Farmers may plant Anabo as their alternative source of livelihood. The extracted fiber can be sold at the natural textile hub, Manicad said.
She added that they also plan to request the DOST Regional Office to extend the implementation of the project with the main output of coming up with a compendium containing all information about the said species, which has a 100 percent potential to support the yarn and textile industry. (DEG-PIA CAR)
