Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. led other department officials and Senator Robin Padilla in the opening of the 2023 National Fibercrops Summit organized by the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) at the DA Central Office.

The “HIBLA BIDA!!!” summit aims to recognize the importance of fiber crops in the Philippine economy despite not being food crops.

The conference will showcase the country’s primary fiber crops, namely abaca, cotton, piña, salago, and silk.

“These five main products comprise the majority of the crops of fiber farmers and stakeholders in the country. These crops represent Filipino resiliency. The Filipino spirit rises strongly and bravely above the many challenges of our changing and evolving world,” said DA Assistant Secretary and PhilFIDA OIC-Executive Director Atty. Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra.

An exhibit featuring PhilFIDA’s initiatives to foster the growth and progress of the natural fiber industry in the Philippines was also unveiled at the DA lobby. ###