DAVAO CITY—Indigenous Peoples (IP) farmers of CADT 256 of RTR, Agusan del Norte and CADT 116 of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur learn from key abaca industry players through the Department of Agriculture – Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (DA-MIADP) on July 1-4, 2025.
In coordination with the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Fiber Development Authority (DA-PhilFIDA), the benchmarking activity allowed Mamanwa and Manobo IP leaders and farmers the avenue to engage directly with institutions in the abaca value chain. They visited major consolidators and exporters, including Ching Bee Trading Corp., LPP Trading Corp., Lomondao Marilog Abaca Mktg. Cooperative, and Fibers Trading Incorporated (FTI).
Designed to provide Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs) with real-world insights into enterprise development and value-adding, the visit enabled participants to identify industry requirements, standards, and sustainable practices in abaca production. As well as capture strategies in proper consolidation, quality control, post-harvest processing, and marketing that can improve the profitability of abaca present within their ancestral lands.
Present are tribal leaders and officers namely Dakula Rogen Ago of CADT 256, Hawudon Subang Arnold Acevedo of CADT 116, Joel Alcoser, Head of PhilFIDA Davao Regulatory Unit; Edelmira Luminarias, Chief of DA Caraga Research Division & MIADP Business Development Officer; Michael Tawede, MIADP Focal, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga, Indigenous Peoples Organization (IPO) members of CADT 256 Kabulusan sa Mamanwa Indigenous Peoples Organization (KAMAIPO) and CADT 116 San Miguel Manobo Indigenous Cultural Communities (SAMMICC).
The Philippines is the world’s leading exporter of abaca (known as Manila hemp), supplying over 90% of global demand. Abaca is widely used in the production of specialty paper, ropes, textiles, handicrafts, and more recently, currency banknotes. With growing international demand for natural fibers, the exposure of IP farmers to established market systems opens new opportunities for community-based enterprises.
MIADP | Indigenous Peoples’ Harnessing Opportunities for a Progressive Economy #IPsHOPE
