‘In Cordillera, Natonin is the ONLY producer of Abaca; Kalinga may be NEXT’ - PhilFIDA RD Engr. Rodis

“One of our aims is to conduct extraction activities so the fibers can be tested and verified as authentic abaca. This is not only for training but also to help distinguish quality abaca from other fibers. We also aim to involve communities in livelihood opportunities and promote the fibers found here in Kalinga.” -  PhilFIDA RD Engr. Irma Rodis

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) Regional Director Engr. Irma Rodis said that Natonin, Mountain Province remains the only abaca-producing area in the Cordillera region, during the province’s three-day, first-ever training on abaca product making held on April 14–16 at the KEH Training Center in Bulanao.

PhilFIDA is responsible for developing and promoting the country’s fiber industry, particularly natural fibers such as abaca and cotton. The training is an initiative of the agency in collaboration with Kinwa Etnika Handicrafts (KEH), with its owner, Florence Ao-wat, serving as the trainer. Participants came from different municipalities, including Tanudan, Balbalan, and Lubuagan.

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Rodis said the training aims to equip participants with basic skills in producing abaca-based products such as scrunchies and slippers, while introducing opportunities for innovation.

Rodis added that while some areas in Kalinga reportedly have existing fiber plants, these have yet to be properly identified and tested to confirm whether they are authentic abaca.

“In the Cordillera, only Natonin is currently producing abaca. There are existing plants here, but they have not yet been identified or tested as authentic abaca. Once they are verified in our laboratory, those are the ones we will propagate in Kalinga and use,” she said.

The regional director also emphasized that the Philippines supplies about 85% of the world’s abaca, making it the global leader in production. She explained that non-abaca fibers can often be distinguished by their appearance, particularly their strength, as abaca is considered the strongest natural fiber in the world.

“…Actually, by appearance alone, you can already see the difference, particularly in the strength of the fiber. Abaca is very strong—even a single filament can cut the skin. Even a thin strand can cause harm, as abaca is the strongest fiber in the world,” she explained.

Meanwhile, DA–PhilFIDA Technical Assistance Unit Head Fe Donato shared that the activity also aims to test and verify genuine abaca through fiber extraction, helping trainees identify quality fibers.

Rodis added that the program follows a “training of trainers” approach, where participants with strong potential may later serve as local trainers in the province to sustain and expand the initiative within their communities.

“One of our aims is to conduct extraction activities so the fibers can be tested and verified as authentic abaca. This is not only for training but also to help distinguish quality abaca from other fibers. We also aim to involve communities in livelihood opportunities and promote the fibers found here in Kalinga,” she conveyed.

With the training’s first day showing good result, the PhilFIDA RD said they will continue their efforts to validate and develop potential abaca sources in Kalinga through laboratory testing and community-based training programs, expanding opportunities for the iKalingas.