Friday, June 08, 2007

Impetus Revs Up Aklan’s Fiber Industry

By Hazel Villa
The two top provincial leaders who have initiated to modernize the fiber industry in Aklan is set to cement its niche as the destination for any needs related to raffia, abaca and piña fibers.
"We are upbeat on the fiber industry. Our desire is to boost economic activity with the production of fibers," said reelected Gov. Carlito Marquez.
The bullishness on Aklan fiber comes in part from the loom-woven products getting the Aklan Quality Seal from the Intellectual Property Office on May 13, 2006.
"Having this seal means piña, piña seda, abaca and raffia cloths can now be exported in volume following quality standards and after passing compliance with quality control," said Ermelinda Pollentes, provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry.
On Aklan’s 51st foundation anniversary celebration on April 23-27, Aklanons and visitors saw for themselves how the first Aklan Fiber Fest had metamorphosed into the 8th Aklan Piña and Fiber Festival aimed for the global market.
First initiated by former governor and now congressman-elect Florencio Miraflores, the 8th Aklan Piña and Fiber Festival at the ABL Sports Complex at the Provincial Capitol showcased the best products of blended loom-woven fabrics, fashion accessories, furnishings from piña, abaca, raffia and other indigenous fibers, as well as gifts, houseware and furniture.
This year’s Fiber Fest distinctive features were the Fairtrade Zone and the "contemporary lifestyle setting of living spaces" by international lifestyle designer PJ Arañador, who is also the regular designer-consultant of the DTI and visual merchandiser of the Fiber Fest.
Piña capital
"Legislation can help, but I’d rather support our local initiatives. We have assisted in fairs and marketing," said Miraflores, now on his second term as congressman of Aklan.
Both Miraflores and Marquez are pushing for the development of the abaca fiber industry since the Philippines supplies 84 percent of the world’s abaca imports. The provincial government had appropriated P2 million this year for financing assistance to abaca planters, Marquez revealed.
"In order to have an abaca pulp mill of our own, we need 10,000 hectares to sustain supply. We currently have only 3,000 hectares," said Marquez. Miraflores plans to develop Aklan as a major exporter of abaca which must produce enough and come up with a critical mass to attract investors.
The DTI, on the other hand, envisions Aklan as "the piña capital and loom-weaving destination of the country". Domestic sales of woven fiber products were P58.24 million in 2005 and P73.16 million in 2006. Export sales were $86,488 in 2005 and $105,948 in 2006, DTI records show.
While abaca as a fashion and lifestyle product is still the bestseller in the domestic and international markets, Aklan’s leaders intend to further develop the piña fiber to take the lead in this niche market.
"Piña weaving was a dying industry. Now, it is a major industry with transfer of technology. We intend to further develop this since Aklan’s soil and climate give it an edge in piña fiber production," Miraflores pointed out.
Piña will always remain as a niche market, he said, because labor cost could not be lowered and it had always been that way since the airy and delicate fabric is considered "high-end" even during the Spanish era. /MP

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