by: Flor Jackson
NAVAL, Biliran – In order to update the local officials of the province of Biliran on the situation of the abaca industry in the area, the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA), Biliran Provincial Office has scheduled a presentation of their programs and activities for 2011 on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at the Governor’s Hall of the provincial capitol at 9:00 o’clock in the morning.
This was revealed by Joseph “Von: Salas, OIC Provincial Fiber Officer of Biliran Province in a letter-invitation sent to PIA.
He informed that updates on the programs, activities and projects of FIDA in Biliran province will be presented to Biliran governor Gerardo “Gerryboy” Espina, Jr. and other local officials of the province.
An open forum will be conducted after the presentation proper. Important points gathered during the open forum will become part of the inputs to improve the abaca industry in the province.
Also expected to attend the presentation are heads of concerned national government agencies; Mr. Tiburcio Morales, former regional director of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and now co-Chairman of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in region 8 representing the private sector; other members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Biliran province and other local officials.
He added that the activitiy on February 22, 2011 will be graced by FIDA Region 8 Director Jeffrey G. Espeña.
“Part of the activities set for tomorrow is the discussion of issues that will help strengthen the abaca industry in Biliran”, he said.
It was learned that there are some 600 abaca farmers in Biliran province.
The province has a total of some 1,500 to 2,000 hectares of land planted to abaca.
Furthermore, he said, in Biliran, the abaca plantations are growing well as these are not affected by any kind of pests and diseases that may hinder the growth of abaca.
“Although our abaca plants in the province are healthy, still let us be vigilant,” he told the abaca farmers.
“I urge the abaca farmers to report any symptoms of abaca pest infestation that may affect the industry in Biliran, so that attention can be given before the problem becomes serious”, he said.
“I encourage all abaca farmers in the province to continue planting because the price of abaca now has increased, and surely this will augment their income”, he said further. (PIA-Biliran)
