By Boy Ryan B. Zabal
Libacao Mayor Charito Navarosa thanked the provincial government for allocating P1-million for the abaca plantation to uplift the economic conditions of his constituents.
“There is a need to exploit the potentials of the abaca fiber being used as material in the printing of currencies and to maximize the industry prospects for exports of local products,” Navarosa said.
Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez earlier recognized the unlimited market for abaca fiber and pulp as he targets to plant abaca in the 200 hectares land and put up a pulp mill in Libacao, Aklan. He promised last year to allocate funds for abaca plantation.
According to Navarosa, his town, a 4th class municipality, produces 20 tons of abaca for export and gradually expands its production to 200 tons monthly.
He added that his administration is closely coordinating with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for equipments to assist the farmers in abaca production in far-flung barangays.
“The buyers normally buy the abaca fiber at P22.30 from our farmers and they sell it for P43 per kilo in Manila.
These traders are exploiting the farmers who bear the hardship to transport their raw products to the market for a higher price,” Navarosa claimed.
The town mayor stressed that he has nothing against the project of Marquez, but it is better to improve first the farm-to-market roads and the peace and order in the hinterlands.
“The abaca plantation would empower Libacao as a premier source of high grade abaca fiber and recognizes the bright prospects of the town and ultimately the poverty reduction,” Navarosa said.
He pointed out the local government has made a significant progress in its efforts to improve the services, particularly in health, security, food, tourism and education of his constituents.
“Tourism encourages more local and foreign tourists to visit his town for mountain trekking, wild river kayaking, gliding and nature tripping,” Navarosa concluded./MP
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