MANILA, Philippines — The production of abaca grew by 9.8 percent in 2021, driven by increased output in the majority of the regions.

Data from the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) showed that abaca production reached 67,488.1 metric tons (MT) last year, higher than the 61,491.7 MT in the previous year.

The Northern Mindanao region registered the largest increase in production last year at 72.6 percent to 8,243.3 MT. This was driven by a 103.2 percent increase in production in the province of Bukidnon to 6,065.42 MT.

The provinces of Camiguin, Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental also posted double-digit growths during the period.

In contrast, the province of Misamis Oriental recorded a 10.7 percent decline to 591.19 MT.

The Eastern Visayas region registered the second highest growth last year as production grew 44 percent to 4,768.32 MT from 3,312.2 MT.

Western Visayas also saw a 41.3 percent increase to 3,762.95 MT.

Despite contributing the largest share, the Bicol region reported a 9.6 percent decline last year to 19,838.7 MT from 21,946.2 MT.

The Davao Region registered the second highest production volume at 14,618.3 MT, up 13.4 percent from the year before.

Other regions with higher production volumes last year include Central Visayas with a 32.2 percent growth to 311.8 MT.

Caraga and Zamboanga Peninsula also registered increases of 3.9 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively.

In contrast, the regions of Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog registered declines at 22.7 percent and 21.4 percent, respectively.

SOURCE: https://www.philstar.com