PhilFIDA Chief Ali Atienza Outlines Vision for Abaca Industry Revival in Online Meeting with KBP CALABARZON
PhilFIDA Chief Ali Atienza unveils plans to modernize and expand the Abaca industry, empowering farmers and promoting green innovation in an online meet with KBP CALABARZON’s Roy Bato
Mr. Arnold “Ali” Atienza, the newly appointed Executive Director III of the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), detailed his plans to modernize and expand the Abaca industry during an online dialogue with KBP CALABARZON President Roy Bato.
Atienza, officially welcomed to his post in January 2025, is leading a national initiative to strengthen the country’s position as the world’s top producer of Abaca, also known as Manila hemp — a durable, biodegradable, and globally recognized natural fiber.
“The fiber industry is one of our country’s most promising sectors,” said Atienza. “Abaca embodies the Filipino spirit — resilient, sustainable, and world-class. Our goal is to make every farmer part of this global success story.”
Under Atienza’s leadership, PhilFIDA is prioritizing technology innovation, capacity-building for local farmers, and stronger market integration to ensure that communities producing natural fibers — particularly Abaca — directly benefit from global demand for eco-friendly materials. He also emphasized the need for public-private collaboration to unlock new applications of Abaca in textiles, automotive, and packaging industries.
“We are transforming this heritage industry into a hub for green innovation,” Atienza added. “By combining tradition with technology, we can create jobs, boost exports, and support the country’s sustainability goals.”
Roy Bato, who represented the broadcast sector in the meeting, expressed KBP CALABARZON’s support for PhilFIDA’s efforts and underscored the media’s role in raising public awareness about the fiber industry’s economic and environmental value.
Atienza’s proactive leadership signals a renewed government focus on making the Philippine fiber sector a model for inclusive, sustainable growth — anchored on one of the nation’s most iconic and valuable resources: Abaca.
