PhilFIDA promotes abaca bag-making as new livelihood option in Leyte

TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) regional office is championing abaca bag manufacturing as an alternative income source for residents across Leyte provinces, signaling a renewed push to preserve and commercialize the country's traditional fiber handicraft sector.

The initiative, which PhilFIDA Eastern Visayas Regional Director Joseph Salas outlined in a recent phone interview, has moved past the planning stage with training programs now completed. Abaca, also known as Manila hemp, has long been a cornerstone of Philippine artisanal production, with the natural fiber prized for its durability and sustainability.

Office officials view the bag-making venture as a viable means of economic diversification in Leyte, particularly for communities seeking sustainable income opportunities. The program aligns with broader government initiatives to support small-scale manufacturing and preserve indigenous craft traditions that have defined the region's cultural and economic heritage.

PhilFIDA's Eastern Visayas office did not immediately provide additional details on the number of trainees or communities targeted by the program, or timelines for commercial production rollout.