Fiber crops’ economic value recognized at DA’s ‘hibla bida’ summit

Assistant Secretary and PhilFIDA OIC-Executive Director Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., and Senator Robin Padilla hold a piece of fiber during the launch of 2023 National Fibercrops Summit in Quezon City on Monday, November 13, 2023. (Photo from DA.)

MANILA, Philippines — The 2023 National Fibercrops Summit was launched by the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority, an agency under the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The event kicked off in the department’s central office in Quezon City on Monday.

Although non-food crops, DA said the program recognizes the vital role of fiber crops in the Philippine economy.

The summit focuses on five key fiber crops – abaca, cotton, salago, piña, and silk.

The summit is themed ‘Hibla Bida (fiber, main role).’

“[It] embodies the idea that fiber crops are not only intrinsic to the nation’s heritage, but also integral to its future economic viability, competitiveness, and sustainability,” PhilFIDA said on its Facebook page.

The launch also included an exhibit and a retail sale.

The activities will run from November 13 to 16 at DA’s main lobby.

Department Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., Assistant Secretary and PhilFIDA OIC-Executive Director Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, and Senator Robin Padilla led the occasion.