The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) is developing an online marketplace to connect local farmers and fiber processors with domestic and international buyers, as the government seeks to expand the use of Philippine fibers and address bottlenecks in processing, its executive director said during the 16th Likhang Habi Market Fair in Makati City on Friday.
PhilFIDA Executive Director Arnold I. Atienza said 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, saying many textile makers were unaware that the raw material was available locally. He also said the Philippines supplied 87% of the global abaca market but used only 10% of its raw materials, pointing to opportunities to expand the commercial use of local fibers.
The platform would help farmers and processors reach buyers without having to go through a government agency, Mr. Atienza said. PhilFIDA plans to train processors to list their products and promote the platform to international markets.
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 took two days to produce but was being sold for only ₱350, he said, underscoring the need for producers to receive fair compensation for their labor.
Mr. Atienza said the government should support private-sector investments in processing rather than establish government-run facilities that 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 formed part of the 16th Likhang Habi Market Fair which from Oct. 9 to 11 at SPACE One Ayala in Makati City. Organized by HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, the fair carried the theme “Worth Every Thread” and brought together more than 100 weavers, artisans, designers, textile entrepreneurs and advocates.
The three-day event 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.
The fair also featured 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 traditional weaving skills through exhibitions, competitions, research and skills development. — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba