Today, there is a growing concern for environmental protection and conservation. Here and abroad. This being the case, more people are getting curious and interested to know more about the expanded applications of natural fibers in our life. From the simple traditional craft products to more sophisticated industrial uses.<\/p>\n
One of the most popular and fascinating natural fibers is our very own abaca \u2013 considered the strongest natural fiber.<\/p>\n
Let me share with you some interesting information about abaca:<\/p>\n
\u2022Do you know that abaca pulps are used in the production of coating of pills;<\/p>\n
\u2022Do you know that abaca enzymes are found to have healing and moisturizing properties for skin ailments.\u00a0 Abaca enzymes derived from the extracts of abaca plants are particularly beneficial for people who suffer from eczema and psoriasis.\u00a0 Abaca skin-care products (fortified with abaca extracts and enzymes) have been selling in USA for some years now including abaca soap;<\/p>\n
\u2022Do you know that all denominations of Philippine banknotes contain twenty (20%) percent abaca and eighty (80%) percent cotton blend;<\/p>\n
\u2022Do you know that Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) approved the printing of the peso currency under the provisions of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo\u2019s memorandum dated May 10, 2000 with the use of abaca and cotton at a ratio of 20%\/80%;<\/p>\n
\u2022Do you know that the Japanese banknote also contains abaca pulp and in fact more percentage of abaca than that of our Philippine banknote;<\/p>\n
\u2022Do you know that fiberboard made from natural fibers such as abaca is twice as strong and three times more elastic than fiberboard made from wood;<\/p>\n
\u2022Do you know that since 1937, all quality paints were made with a base of hemp oil as it has a natural drying agent that is applicable in paints, varnishes and sealants which render wood highly resistant for water;<\/p>\n
\u2022Do you know that abaca is used in the manufacture of teabags;<\/p>\n
\u2022Do you know that health-conscious people are now favoring the use of mattresses made of natural fiber like abaca fiber and coconut coir.\u00a0 Because researchers says that people sleep better with mattresses made of natural fiber since the natural fiber raises the level of the so-called alpha-globulin;<\/p>\n
\u2022Do you know that abaca fiber is used as a substitute to replace synthetic fibers in automobiles, railways and ships.<\/p>\n
There was a time when we Filipinos brag that abaca is a monopoly of our country.\u00a0 The usual punch line was: \u201cThe Philippines produces eighty-five (85%) percent of the abaca in the whole world while Ecuador produces the balance of fifteen (15%) percent.\u201d\u00a0 Not anymore.\u00a0 There have been many developments in the past few years that may threaten our monopoly of the abaca industry.<\/p>\n
For one, Ecuador which is gaining worldwide reputation as the country of natural fibers (the country has thousands of species of\u00a0 fiber-producing plants aside from abaca) has big plantations devoted to abaca \u2013 compared to our small farms (about 3 to 5 hectares) scattered in different parts of the country. Ecuador has reportedly distributed also abaca saplings to other countries like Columbia, Korea and Vietnam.<\/p>\n
Big plantations in Indonesia will certainly yield thousands of metric tons of abaca fiber that undoubtedly competes with our Manila hemp. Indonesia grows the best specie of abaca that produces the best kind of abaca fiber known as laylay \u2013 the same that we grow in Leyte. The Indonesians too are spending a lot for research and product development.\u00a0\u00a0 The Ecuadorans are likewise investing huge amount of money to explore all the possible scientific uses of abaca. Because the Ecuadorans and the Indonesians are expecting an increase in global demand for abaca. Africa is another place where abaca is spreading fast and wide. Not only because more and more people are nowpatronizing natural products and environmental\u2013friendly products like abaca products. But because there are now new and expanded uses for abaca. For example, the paper industry needs abaca fiber for currency notes. Also, the abaca fiber is now a popular raw material component for pulp and specialty products like fashion bags, toys, tea bags, meat\/sausage casing, and filter papers.<\/p>\n
Some years ago, the estimated world demand for abaca fiber and its products is about 600,000 tons per annum while the world supply is barely about 100,000 tons. No wonder Ecuador and Indonesia are getting more aggressive in developing and promoting their abaca industries. These countries see the vast potentials of the abaca industry. We should not be left behind. Otherwise, we will wake up one day and lose our world market for our abaca fiber and other products to Ecuador and Indonesia.<\/p>\n
It is now time for the government agencies concerned headed by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) with the assistance of other government agencies and the private sector to come together and formulate an aggressive strategy for the survival and expansion of our abaca industry.\u00a0 Otherwise, we will be left behind by Ecuador, Indonesia, and other emerging abaca producing countries. We have lost our dominance and supremacy in other product lines \u2013 like rice, tuna, buko, pineapple, shrimps and other products. We cannot afford to lose by default again our dominance in the abaca industry.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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