MAKATI CITY — The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) is building an online marketplace designed to connect local farmers and fiber processors with buyers at home and abroad, part of a government push to expand the use of Philippine fibers and ease bottlenecks in processing, according to the agency's executive director.

PhilFIDA Executive Director Arnold I. Atienza announced the initiative at the 16th Likhang Habi Market Fair in Makati City on Friday. The platform, targeted for launch in January 2027, would allow farmers and processors to list raw materials and finished products, making it easier for buyers to source Philippine fibers directly from producers.

"We have more than enough raw materials and, to be honest, more than enough demand, both locally and globally. The question is processing," Mr. Atienza said.

He cited 80 metric tons of cotton stored across four production plants, noting that many textile makers were unaware the raw material was available locally. He added that while the Philippines supplies 87% of the global abaca market — making it the world's dominant source of a fiber also known as Manila hemp, harvested from a banana plant native to the Philippines — only 10% of its raw materials are used domestically, pointing to opportunities to expand the commercial use of local fibers.

According to Mr. Atienza, the platform would let farmers and processors reach buyers without having to go through a government agency. PhilFIDA plans to train processors to list their products and promote the platform to international markets ahead of the launch.

He also highlighted efforts to train farmers' wives to make bags from local materials, including school bags that could potentially compete with imported products. One bag takes two days to produce but sells for only ₱350, he said, underscoring the need for producers to receive fair compensation for their labor.

On processing capacity, Mr. Atienza said the government should support private-sector investments rather than establish government-run facilities, which he noted could become costly and unsustainable. He called for closer collaboration between government, businesses and researchers to improve product quality, develop new applications for Philippine fibers and bring local products to larger markets.

"If we want the industry to grow, we have to work together," he said.

His remarks were delivered at the 16th Likhang Habi Market Fair, running from Oct. 9 to 11 at SPACE One Ayala in Makati City. Organized by HABI: The Philippine Textile Council under the theme "Worth Every Thread," the event brought together more than 100 weavers, artisans, designers, textile entrepreneurs and advocates.

The three-day fair featured handwoven textiles, fashion, accessories, home products and crafts, alongside discussions on textile heritage, product development and the challenges faced by weaving communities.

A key attraction was an exhibition of 40 entries from the 9th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and the 5th Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition, showcasing the skills of Filipino weavers working with two of the country's traditional fibers — piña, a fiber extracted from pineapple leaves, and abaca.

The fair also included a mini-exhibition of Philippine fashion heritage curated by the Benilde Fashion Museum, workshops and special activities by The Mahalina Foundation and Museo Pambata, and TELAserye documentary screenings featuring stories about Philippine textile traditions and weaving communities.

Founded in 2009, HABI: The Philippine Textile Council is a nonprofit organization that promotes local fibers, handwoven textiles and weaving skills through exhibitions, competitions, research and skills development.

— Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba, BusinessWorld

Source: BusinessWorld