T’boli, South Cotabato – Thirty abaca growers from Barangay Tbolok have successfully completed the three-day Training on Abaca Production, Management, and Post-Harvest Handling conducted from May 27 to 29, 2025. The initiative was led by the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center XII (ATI-RTC XII), in partnership with the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority Region XI and the Local Government Unit of T’boli, South Cotabato.
The culmination program was marked by a heartfelt sharing of experiences from selected participants, who expressed deep appreciation for the knowledge and skills they gained during the training. Their testimonies highlighted how the learning sessions on sustainable farming practices and fiber processing techniques would significantly benefit their abaca-growing efforts.
Project Officer Ms. Mercedita G. Aglibot extended her sincere gratitude to all the participants and institutional partners for their active collaboration. She recognized the importance of continued engagement to strengthen the local fiber industry.
Adding a local leadership perspective, Barangay Captain Hon. Ating Kuyan expressed his support and praised the organizers for empowering farmers through education and training. He emphasized that such efforts are vital in uplifting the abaca industry within their community.
The event closed with an inspirational message from Ms. Aileen B. Malasador, OIC Municipal Agriculturist, who encouraged the growers to apply their newly acquired skills and to become proactive contributors to the development of the abaca sector.
The training was facilitated by Ms. Aglibot, Development Management Officer I, alongside Ms. Gladys Hazel E. Cafe, Technical Staff II, both of ATI-RTC XII, underscoring the Center’s commitment to fostering sustainable fiber production and farmer empowerment.