FIDA steps up abaca production technology trainings
The Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) under the Department of Agriculture (DA) has been stepping up its training activities to boost abaca production in the region.
FIDA 6 OIC Ben Gomo said that the agency has been coordinating with various local government units in the conduct of the trainings, which have encouraged farmers to venture into abaca industry to augment their income.
The three-day workshop on abaca production technology in Oringao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental graduated 37 farmers, through the support of Mayor Pedro Zayco and DA-CAO headed by Dr. Nemesio Canete.
Attending the graduation ceremonies held last June 8, was Mr. Ernesto L. Librando of the AMA Computer Learning Center of Bacolod City, who expressed interest in supporting abaca production technology.
Librando said that AMA will give a 50 percent discount to a deserving son or daughter of a farmer who will plant abaca. A memorandum of agreement will be formalized to effect this.
Other trainings were conducted in Mablad, Barbasa, Antique last May 8-10, 2006, with 32 participants completing the session, through the support of Barbasa Mayor Jose Maghari and the Barbasa Multi Purpose Cooperative, Inc., headed by Felimon Espares.
On the other hand, 37 farmers from Bugang, Alimodian, Iloilo also completed the training held last May, through the cooperation of Alimodian Mayor Juanito Alipao and the efforts of Bugang Barangay Captain Nerio Camral.
FIDA OIC Ben Gomo said that with President Arroyo's increasing support for the abaca industry, Western Visayas' potential for abaca production technology development will go a long way.
(PIA 6)