According to Britannica, Abaca (Musa textilis), plant of the family Musaceae, and
its fiber, which is second in importance among the leaf fiber group. Abaca fiber, unlike
most other leaf fibers, is obtained from the plant leaf stalks (petioles). Although
sometimes known as Manila hemp, Cebu hemp, or Davao hemp, the abaca plant is not
related to true hemp. The plant, which is native to the Philippines, rose to prominence in
the 19th century as a source of cordage fiber. Abaca is mainly used for the production
of specialty papers. It is an important economic crops in Northern Samar.
The value chain analysis of abaca is intended primarily to create value and help
every farmers to generate more profits from their production of the said abaca. To
simply understand, it is like the assumption of Cost-Benefit Analysis which is benefits
must be higher than the cost incurred in the production. The project proposed in
Northern Samar is essential in determining effective and efficient strategies before
making any actions and decisions in terms of production, processing, marketing as well
as in supply sourcing aspect. This also help in forecasting future strategies, actions,
decisions and plan to take. The overall objectives of the value chain analysis is to
identify every constraints or issues confronted by many farmers, formulation of policies
and strategies with competitiveness, effectiveness and efficiently to overcome
unnecessary constraints. Also identifying investment opportunities not only locally but in
international markets and to know the level of growth occurs in the status of every
individuals and in economy that this industry brings. I agree to Rodrigue presumptions
in which the producer and the buyer have the most significant influence in the farm
production. These two factors influences the production and the process of every
commodities.
The analysis of this value chain was conducted using qualitative method of
research with a sort of some quantitative method. The analysis was finding the truth
behind those struggles and hardship by the farmers in Northern Samar. Through survey
questionnaires and interviews in the person who has knowledge in the field of abaca,
they found out the constraints and hindrances in attaining such progress. They perfectly
gather information using secondary data by knowing the experiences in abaca's
production in the Philippines. A sum of 12 respondents (Abaca farmers) were
interviewed and participated in the research. They are given a set of questions based
on the activities and issues happening in the process of production.
In Northern Samar, abaca farms do not apply inputs such as fertilizer and
pesticides. Harvesting is practiced on a quarterly basis. The Abaca has different grades
and types that has a huge help in every individuals in their needs and consumptions just
for example the handmade paper using abaca in which it composes of paper sheets, all-
purpose cards, lampshades, balls and many more. As stated in the paper, one of the
issue in Northern Samar abaca’s production is that farmers are generally disunited.
Unity is not present even the cooperation is also lacking. There is no progress
happening, the farmers doesn’t want to use of the machines because the quality is not
good and the recovery is low. Farmers choose to discontinued using machines they
were provided with. Government should take an action in this such issue in which
machines bought must be in high quality and be effective during production to help
every farmers and reduce the cost they incur in production. They should make a sound
decisions and take actions right away to help every farmers and they should be one of
the model in solidarity in their locality.
