United Coordinating Body Launches APEP

The Aklan Abaca Production Expansion Program (APEP) was launched this week as one of the priority projects of Aklan. The launching was led by former Congressman Allen S. Quimpo, Executive Director of Aklan Rivers Development Council with the participation of the members of the United Coordination Body of the APEP. It was held on December 19 at the SP Session Hall, Capitol, Estancia, Kalibo.
In a simple ceremony, Dr. Benny A. Palma, ASU President welcomed the participants present and briefed them of the present activities of the ASU as far as abaca is concerned.
Engr. Roger M. Esto of the PPDO introduced the members of the United Coordinating Body. Atty. Allen S. Quimpo presented the contents and objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding which was followed by its signing by the respective representatives to the APEP. In behalf of Governor Carlito S. Marquez, Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino gave his message where he stressed the importance and significance of abaca to the people directly affected, to the province of Aklan and to the Philippine economy as a whole.
At present, abaca (musa textiles) is planted in some 1,500 hectares in the town of Libacao. The program envisions to increase the area cultivated next year to another 3,300 hectares specifically in Libacao 2,000 ha, Madalag – 1,000, Balete – 25; Altavas – 50, Ibajay – 50; Malinao – 100; Makato – 25 and Banga – 100.
Mayor Denny Refol of Altavas and Roberto Garcia, Jr. attended the launching. Other mayors concerned with the program who are Mayor Teodoro Calizo, Jr. of Balete, Mayor Charito Navarosa of Libacao, Mayor Dominador Illio, Jr., of Malinao, Mayor Rex T. Gubatina of Madalag and Mayor Ramon Legaspi, Jr. of Makato were not present during the launching.
Abaca is a traditional field crop of Aklan. Its fiber served as clothing materials of Aklanons during World War II. Abaca fibers were woven into "sinamay", dyed for aesthetic effect. The cloth were made into "pinukpok" to soften its fibers and then sewn into trousers, dresses and other wears.
Known as Manila hemp, abaca fibers were made into cordage for maritime uses. The farmers used abaca ropes for large cattle and for tying. Abaca pulp is manufactured into security papers for printing paper money, checks and documentary stamps.
The utilization of abaca dwindled after plastic came into being. Maritime industries shifted from the use of abaca cordage to the synthetic fibers. However, because of environmental problems accompanying the use of plastic, abaca is again becoming important because it is environment friendly abaca, being a natural fiber.
Governor Carlito S. Marquez projects abaca as an industry which may alleviate the status of the marginalized upland farmers and simultaneously protect the watershed areas of Aklan. It will also reduce if not stop timber poaching activities and prevent forest degradation and soil erosion.
The program is envisioned to provide abaca planting materials, production loans to planters, improve the present method of planting and plantation management, modern decortication process and pulp processing and improve the market system geared to increase net income of abaca farmers. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com