Catanduanes is officially the ‘Abaca Capital’ of the PH
You’ve probably seen or bought clothes, shoes, bags, or accessories made out of abaca. The raw material can be used for many different things after all. While the Philippines is the leading abaca producer in the world, the province of Catanduanes was officially named the Abaca Capital of the Philippines.
On April 15, President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law Republic Act 11700, which recognizes the abaca industry “as a driver of rural development” as it helps “increase the country’s earnings tremendously.”. Malacañang released a copy of the act on Tuesday.
‘In recognition of its status as the country’s biggest producer of abaca… and in support to agricultural development of the province, it is hereby declared that Catanduanes be the Abaca Capital of the Philippines,’ Duterte said in the law.
The policy also recognizes the abaca industry, which places the name of the country on the map of the world “for producing the biggest volume of abaca fiber.” The industry also helps the livelihood of the farmers and the law is seen as a way to support agricultural development.
In 2020, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority said 52 of the country’s 81 provinces produce abaca. Almost all of the 142,000 hectares of hemp farmland are in Bicol Region. The country also accounts for around 85% of the abaca market, followed by Ecuador at 14% and Costa Rica at 1%.
Since Catanduanes is the nativa abaca plant’s home, the Bicol province even throws an Abaca Festival every year. The event usually involves street dance competitions, float parades, trade fairs, and fashion shows among others.
Banner: Experience Catanduanes
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Source: we the pvblic
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