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Natural fibers · Abaca
Abaca fiber
Hibla ng abaka
Strong fiber stripped from the abaca plant, a relative of the banana. The Philippines produces most of the world’s abaca, used in ropes, specialty paper and textiles.
How it’s made
- Harvest mature abaca stalks and separate the leaf sheaths.
- Strip the fiber by hand or with a stripping machine.
- Dry, sort by grade and bale it for traders.
Who buys it
Fiber traders, pulp mills, rope and craft makers, and exporters.
Rules to know
The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) grades abaca and licenses fiber traders and exporters. Requirements change, so confirm with the agency before you start selling.
Where it’s made in the Philippines
Catanduanes and the rest of Bicol, Eastern Visayas (Leyte and Samar), and Mindanao, including Davao.
How to start small
Better stripping and drying gives higher grades and prices. Groups that grade and sell together get better terms from traders.
Who makes it on the map
No one on the map makes abaca fiber yet.
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