In pushing for a new era of growth and development in the Philippines’ agriculture sector, President Marcos urged the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) to continue supporting the country’s fiber industry through education, collaboration, and research.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)
Citing the President’s message during the 2023 National Fibercrops Summit organized by PhilFIDA on Tuesday, Nov. 14, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said that the gathering of industry leaders and stakeholders shows the readiness of the fiber crops industry to drive economic growth and provide livelihood opportunities to communities.
“I therefore urge the PhilFIDA to remain steadfast in utilizing its mission of providing research, production, education, and trade regulation support so that the fiber industry can take advantage of new avenues for development and growth,” Marcos said in a message.
The President is set to leave on Tuesday night to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week in San Francisco.
“As we stand at the crossroads of agricultural innovation, let this summit be a testament to our shared commitment to shaping a resilient and flourishing future for your industry,” he furthered.
“I trust that this gathering will be a conducive platform where ideas flourish, collaborations thrive, and the seeds sown today blossom into a harvest of success for our nation.”
In turn, the Chief Executive assured PhilFIDA of the government’s commitment to uplift the lives of Filipino farmers and advance economic prosperity in rural communities.
He expressed hope that the combined efforts of the public sector, growers, farmers associations, and the private sector can usher a new age of growth and development in the agriculture sector.
This, he believes, would be instrumental to achieving national progress.
PhilFIDA is an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), which Marcos led before appointing the new secretary.
The agency is responsible for promoting the accelerated growth and development of the fiber industry in the Philippines, such as abaca, also known as Manila hemp, and cotton.
PhilFIDA organized this year’s National Fibercrops Summit at the DA-BSWM Convention Hall in Diliman, Quezon City under theme, “HIBLA BIDA!!!”
The theme focused on priority fibercrops, including abaca, cotton, piña, salago, and silk.
The summit also aimed to address challenges—fiber quality, market demand, quality standards, and trade regulations—facing the fibercrop industry.
The event was attended by government and industry experts who will collaborate to strategize, brainstorm innovations, and shape policies to invigorate the nation’s fibercrop industry.