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| Mayor Udi Espina of Kawayan with DOST staff |
The stripping machine was part of the project “Establishment of Abaca Fiber Processing Facility” funder under the DOST-8 GIA Program which is implemented by the LGU-Kawayan, Biliran. The project is primarily aimed to increase production of good quality abaca fiber for the target beneficiaries.
Abaca plays a vital role in the growing global advocacy for environmental protection and forest conservation; this is according to the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA). It is suitable to be incorporated in the reforestation farming system. Planting abaca can also aid in minimizing erosion and sedimentation problems in coastal areas.
The Abaca-Stripping Machine, designed by the National Abaca Research Center (NARC) in Visayas State University, Baybay City is an agricultural machine that is being used in the extraction of fiber from abaca leaf sheath thru the pressing and pulling action of the two blades and a taper roller spindle. These upgraded stripping machine design produce more than double the usual stripping methods employed by farmers.
According to Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations the world’s leading abaca producer is the Philippines, where the plant is cultivated on 130,000 hectares by some 90,000 small farmers. For the Villa-Cornejo Farmers, this machine will surely help to increase production of good quality abaca fiber.
The Abaca-Stripping Machine will hasten the process of stripping which is currently done manually. Now the farmers of Villa-Cornejo will have the chance to increase their production and generate additional income through this assistance from DOST.