The initiative highlights the government’s commitment to supporting sustainable livelihoods through modern equipment for abaca processing and organic fertilizer production. | Photo: DTI-Zamboanga Sibugay
TUNGAWAN, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) — A new Abaca fiber processing and organic fertilizer production facility worth Php1.2 million was launched in Sitio Panangan, Barangay Lower Tungawan, this town by the Sirawai Plywood and Lumber Corporation (SPLC)-Agro Industrial Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
The initiative, which is funded by the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-9, aimed to modernize abaca fiber processing, enhance productivity, and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for local farmers.
Loreto Pasia, chairperson of the cooperative, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the members, highlighting the facility’s positive impact on their livelihoods and the future of the abaca industry.
“With the new machines, we can produce higher-quality abaca fiber faster, which means better income and a stronger future for our cooperative,” Pasia said.
The cooperative received essential machinery, including two units of abaca power stripper dual spindle with tuxidor, two units of combined decorticating and spindle machine with tuxidor, a collapsible abaca drying shed, and a multi-shredder machine.
The investment underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the abaca industry in Zamboanga Sibugay. These tools are expected to enhance fiber quality, speed up processing, and maximize waste utilization for organic fertilizer production.
With the growing demand for high-quality abaca fiber, the project seeks to boost the local industry through modern equipment and more efficient processing methods.
During the recent Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas in Zamboanga Peninsula, Al-Zamir Lipae, regional director of DTI-9, emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening local industries through innovation and sustainable practices.
“Through collaboration and dedication, we have transformed challenges into opportunities, advancing our mission to support businesses and uplift communities across Zamboanga Peninsula,” Lipae said. (RBI/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)
