The Abaca is a vital crop to the Philippine economy in a big way. In fact, it is vital to the world’s economy and environmental care as well.
The Philippines is the largest producer of Abaca fibers supplying about 87% of the world’s requirement for the production of cordage, specialty papers (for currency note, stencil paper, teabag, coffee filter/cup, capacitor and insulation paper, etc.), textiles, furniture and fixtures, handicrafts, novelty items, meat casing, cosmetics and skin care products, grocery bags, composites for automotive and construction and other industrial applications.
(Source: PHILFIDA)
Catanduanes alone produces about 92.3% of the total abaca production in the Bicol and makes up 34.9% of the total abaca production in the entire Philippines. The province is also called the “abaca county” due to this fact.
In terms of global scale, Catanduanes is also known as the top abaca producer. The province can produce 23,40 metric tonnes of abaca beating Ecuador which ranks at second with a total produce of only 8,555 metric tonnes. Abaca exports to countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany are priced at a hundred million dollars. (Source: PHILFIDA)