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.

One of the most popular and fascinating natural fibers is our very own abaca – considered the strongest natural fiber.
Let me share with you some interesting information about abaca:

Do you know that abaca pulps are used in the production of coating of pills;

Do you know that abaca enzymes are found to have healing and moisturizing properties for skin ailments. Abaca enzymes derived from the extracts of abaca plants are particularly beneficial for people who suffer from eczema and psoriasis. Abaca skin-care products (fortified with abaca extracts and enzymes) have been setting in USA for some years now including abaca soap;

Do you know that all denominations of Philippine banknotes contain twenty (20%) percent abaca and eighty (80%) percent cotton blend;

Do you know that Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) approved the printing of the peso currency under the provisions of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s memorandum dated May 10, 2000 with the use of abaca and cotton at a ratio of 20/80%;

Do you know that the Japanese banknote also contain abaca pulp and in fact more percentage of abaca than that of our Philippine banknote;

Do 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;

Do 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;

Do you know that abaca is used in the manufacture of teabags;

Do you know that abaca fiber is used as a substitute to replace synthetic fibers in automobiles, railways and ships.

Our country has been known for decades as the principal world supplier of abaca. About 85 to 90% of the global supply of abaca fiber comes from the Philippines. Ecuador supplies the balance. However, there have been many developments in the past few years that may threaten our monopoly of the abaca industry.

For one, Ecuador which is gaining worldwide reputation as the country of natural fibers (the country has thousands of species of fiber-producing plants aside from abaca) has big plantations devoted to abaca – 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. Not to mention the thriving abaca plantations in Indonesia. Among the abaca species planted in Indonesia is the laylay specie, considered one of our best if not our best abaca specie.

Big plantations in Indonesia will certainly yield thousands of metric tons of abaca fiber that will undoubtedly compete with our Manila hemp within a year or so. The Indonesians too are spending a lot for research and product development. 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. Not only because more and more people are now patronizing natural products and environmental–friendly 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.

Health-conscious people are now favoring the use of mattresses made of natural fibers like abaca fiber and coconut coir. Because researchers say that people sleep better with mattresses made of natural fiber since the natural fiber raises the level of the so-called alpha-globulin.

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.

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 of our abaca industry. 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 – like rice, tuna, buko, pineapple, shrimps and other products. We cannot afford to lose by default again our dominance in the abaca industry.

Have a joyful day!