July 16, 2026 | News by PISD
16 July 2026, Victoria – The Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro (PGOM) is looking into more ways to maximize the value of banana and abaca by advancing into sustainable fiber industry.
Under the leadership of Governor Humerlito “Bonz” A. Dolor, the Farmers’ Training on the Operation and Maintenance of Multi-fiber Decorticating Machine (MFDM) for Banana Fiber Production was conducted in Barangay San Gabriel, Victoria last 15 July.
As part of this initiative, Gov. Dolor directed the forming of associations for said industry and their accreditation to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through the Provincial Cooperatives Development Office (PCDO).
He added that PGOM will provide an initial capital for qualified associations and will also collaborate with various agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for modern technologies and livelihood assistance.
Moreover, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) will take the lead in providing further technical training to local producers of banana and abaca fiber.
PhilFIDA Executive Director Arnold Ali I. Atienza emphasized the importance of creating value-added products from banana and abaca fiber to further increase farmers’ income.
Meanwhile, PhilFIDA Regional Director Adil B. Khan, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Alely Casubuan-Tan, Board Member Ryan Z. Arago, Victoria Mayor Richard V. Inciong, representatives from the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office and other officials supported said initiative.