INTRODUCTION

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include, among other things, a requirement for

industry to comply to in order to fulfill SD standards. The Brundtland Commission, also known as the

World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland 1987), represents a dynamic balance

that must be maintained between human activities, technologies, natural environmental capacities, human

requirements, living standards, goals, and values (Ehrenfeld 1994). Even if some authors (e.g., Lele 2018)

regard SD to be a metafix, the notion gives an agenda and direction for future global decision-making,

research, and progress. The business providers and small-scale farmers should give their attention to

ensuring the sustainable growth of their business. This growth is symbolized by the creation of innovative

settings, which presents a significant competitive challenge for regions and countries. In order to establish

environments that facilitate the development of prosperous businesses and start-up companies, political

leaders and think tank organizations should prioritize the improvement of the working environment and

the regulations of the game, rather than focusing on specific processes (Van Oort & Lambooy, 2018).

These demands encompass environmental responsibility, the dissemination of eco-friendly and more

advanced technology, institutional accountability, adherence to ecological regulations, and the broader

aspects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) (Berrone et al., 2020; Walls et al., 2012; Babiak,

Trendafilova, 20116; Azmat, Samaratunge, 2009; Baughn et al., 2007; Jones, 2005). To ensure a

sustainable business climate, CSR, and environmental responsibility, there are specific requirements and

new directives that relate primarily to mandatory compliance by foreign-owned and foreign-invested

offshore firms (Babiak, Trendafilova 20117; Dobers, Halme 2009; Jones 2005; Halkos, Evangelinos

2002). According to numerous studies (Antonis et al. 2011; Dobers, Halme 2009; Lindgreen et al. 2009;

Rashid, Lodh 2008; Jones 2005; Birch, Moon 2004; Henry et al. 2003; Jaggi, Zhao 1996), these needs are

among the outsourcing companies' top issues that are rapidly expanding.

However, "the challenges and sustainability of abaca fiber production" faces a number of

challenges and sustainability concerns as a result of a decrease in global supply caused by both man-made

and natural disasters, as well as increased competition from other countries, most notably Ecuador (Belen
M. Tapado 2022). In order to tackle these challenges, novel approaches to abaca farming must be

implemented to enhance fiber production (Corazon T. Aragon 2019). Notably, researchers have devised a

Geographical Information System (GIS)-based application to identify suitable areas for abaca

propagation, thereby contributing to an increase in fiber production (Poddar Pinku, Shahin Sultana 2020;

Ali Akbar, Husna Parvin Nur, Sarwaruddin Chowdhury Am 2022). Moreover, there exists a necessity to

augment the productivity of Philippine fiber crops, reduce production costs, and enhance fiber quality

through technological advancements (Marlito Bande 2013); Jan Grenz, Victor Asio 2018; Joachim

Sauerborn 2022). Nevertheless, there exists a knowledge gap concerning the optimal light, nutrient, and

water requirements of abaca plants to achieve maximum yield and fiber quality under field conditions

(Agnivesh Kumar Sinha 2006; Harendra Kumar Narang 2014; Subhamoy Bhattacharya 2020). The

projected monthly production on the 21 new abaca expansion areas (100 ha each) is 22,500 to 30,000 kgs

dry fiber all first-class quality. This is equivalent to a combined annual production of 5,670 to 7,560 MT

or 45,350 to 60,480 bales starting on the 3rd year from planting for the next 40-50 years without

replanting as long as the farmers follow the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on abaca.
(The-Philippine-Abaca-Industy-Roadmap-2021-2025, n.d.)
. Although there are reports of measuring the tensile

strength of fiber bundles of abaca. The results confirm that the fiber has high strength. The tensile

strength of the fiber bundles has a reported range from 600 to 900 MPa compared to the tensile strength

of sisal fiber which is 511 to 635 MPa 4. Moreover, it is important to mention that the strength of the
(Waller et al., n.d.)
fibers varies with respect to the classification of the fibers 5 Suitable for abaca farmers

regardless of where they are located in the Philippines, this manual provides the necessary

recommendations to successfully grow abaca in a better and sustainable way. Since abaca is often being

grown in sensitive ecosystems in the uplands, special care during cultivation is indispensable

(Matthias Radek Arce Chua Victor Prodigo Carlos Peñera Erlinda Dolatre Gladys Gop

Since abaca plants are under same family with banana, which is

Musaceae family, therefore the abaca fiber will then be experiments to make it paper and later will
implement it on a product. The core purpose of this research is to explore abaca fiber into a new form of
(Rahmaan Mohd Yassin et al., 2018)
material and turned it into a significant product .

Because of its outstanding strength and durability, abaca fiber, produced from the Musa textilis

plant, also known as Manila hemp, is an important component of the worldwide fiber industry.

Nonetheless, the sustainability of abaca production is under threat from a slew of diverse difficulties that

jeopardize not just the crop itself, but also the livelihoods of communities that rely heavily on its

cultivation. This research project aims to thoroughly study and answer the numerous problems and

sustainability concerns involved with abaca fiber manufacturing. These problems are wide and varied,

spanning environmental sustainability, economic viability, social implications, technology improvements,

market demand, policy and regulation, and resistance to climate change. Given that abaca is largely

cultivated in tropical countries, with production techniques that frequently lead to deforestation, habitat

damage, and soil degradation, environmental sustainability is a critical problem.

In some areas, abaca farming has been connected to deforestation, habitat damage, and soil

deterioration. Economic problems arose as a result of market price swings, labor-intensive farming

practices, and competition from synthetic alternatives. Social concerns regarding labor conditions and

equal access to resources were ongoing. Adoption of technology in abaca farming was becoming

increasingly important for increasing production and lowering environmental consequences. The market

was evolving toward more sustainable and eco-friendly products, which presented potential for abaca.

Regulations, rules, and international treaties were all influencing the sector. Overall, there was a growing

awareness of the need of sustainable methods in ensuring the long-term viability of abaca fiber

production.

Environmental effect, economic viability, societal repercussions, technical adoption, market

demand, and regulatory impacts are all examples of "challenges" that the sector faces. In contrast, the

"sustainability" variable is concerned with establishing ecological, economic, and social balance in abaca

production. It includes procedures that reduce environmental impact, ensure abaca farming's economic

viability, and encourage fair labor conditions. The study will investigate these variables in order to
comprehend their interconnections and the consequences for the long-term viability of abaca fiber

production.

The goal of this research is to thoroughly analyze the problems and sustainability of abaca fiber

manufacturing. This research intends to give insights and recommendations for developing a more

sustainable and resilient abaca sector by evaluating the various challenges surrounding abaca farming,

such as environmental effect, economic viability, social ramifications, and technical innovation. The

study aims to contribute to both the well-being of abaca farming communities and the larger objective of

ecologically responsible and commercially sustainable natural fiber production.

The research is expected to produce a variety of good results, including a better knowledge of the

issues associated with abaca fiber production and the discovery of long-term solutions. These findings are

projected to help both the abaca sector and the environment by encouraging more environmentally

friendly practices, increasing the economic stability of abaca farming communities, and enhancing social

well-being. The research might also help shape policy recommendations and industry initiatives to assure

the continuing supply of abaca fiber while reducing its environmental and social effect. Finally, the

research hopes to contribute to a more robust and sustainable future for abaca fiber manufacturing.

Statement of the Problem

The study intend to analyze and evaluate the challenges and sustainability of abaca fiber

production. Specially, the study sought to answer the following questions.

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:

a. Age

b. Sex

c. Civil Status

d. Education Attainment

e. Monthly Income

f. Years of Experience (Farming)

2. What are the main challenges facing abaca production?

4. What are the potential social and economic sustainability of abaca production?

5. How can abaca production be made more sustainable?

6. What are the future prospects for abaca production?

Hypothesis

The mean flexural strength of the control group concrete samples would not differ significantly

from the mean flexural strength of samples containing the abaca fiber with a volume-fraction of 0.2

percent. The statistical analysis showed that the difference in mean flexural strength between the control

group and the 0.2% fiber group was statistically significant (Placeholder1)

The mean flexural strength of the control group concrete samples would not differ significantly

from the mean flexural strength of samples containing the abaca fiber with a volume-fraction of 0.4

percent. The statistical analysis indicated that the difference in mean flexural strength between the control

group and the 0.4% fiber group was statistically significant, On the basis of statistical analysis,

The mean flexural strength of concrete samples containing the abaca fiber with a volume-fraction

of 0.2 percent would not differ significantly from the mean flexural strength of samples containing abaca

fiber with a volume-fraction of 0.4 percent. The statistical analysis showed that the mean flexural strength

of the 0 .2% fiber group was not significantly higher than the mean flexural strength of the 0.4% fiber

group and the difference was not statistically significant,

The mean splitting tensile strength of the control group concrete samples would not differ

significantly from the mean splitting tensile strength of samples containing the abaca fiber with a volume-

fraction of 0.2 percent. The statistical analysis showed that the mean splitting tensile strength of the

control group was not significantly higher than the mean splitting tensile strength of the 0 .2% fiber group

and the difference was not statistically significant.

The mean splitting tensile strength of the control group concrete samples would not differ

significantly from the mean splitting tensile strength of samples containing the abaca fiber with a volume-

fraction of 0.2 percent. The statistical analysis showed that the mean splitting tensile strength of the

control group was not significantly higher than the mean splitting tensile strength of the 0 .2% fiber group

and the difference was not statistically significant, The inclusion of fibers not only compensate the

relatively low tensile strength and brittle characteristic of concrete, but also improve other mechanical

properties of the composite material. The researchers claimed that the addition of short randomly

distributed fibers to concrete would increase the tensile cracking to at least 6.9 MN/m^ (1000 lbf/in^)

when the average spacing of the fibers was less than 7.6 mm. Their claim aroused interest since steel fiber

reinforcement would provide a solution to the problem of tensile cracking. Some of the useful properties

of polypropylene are: its ability to be used at temperatures over 100 degrees centigrade for short periods;

its chemical inertness making the fibers resistant to most chemicals; its hydrophobic surface, not being

wet by a cement paste which helps the chopped fiber from balling up during mixing; and its high tensile

strength (Zonsveld, 1970). When polypropylene fibers are used in concrete as secondary reinforcement,

they are added in low levels, of 0.1 to 0.2 percent by volume, where the reduction in workability is small

Scope and Limitation

The Isabela Province

The northeastern Philippine province of Isabela is a landlocked coastal region with a total land

area of 13,102.05 square kilometers.19 As of 2020, there were 1,697,050 people living there.comprises

46.04% of the Cagayan Valley's whole population.As of 2016, this agricultural province had an estimated

2.6 billion in annual income.As of 2020, it is ranked as the 10th wealthiest province in the Philippines in

pesos.The province is recognised as the Regional Trade and Industrial Centre of North-Eastern Luzon.
 With a total population of 3,051,487 in 2007, the region has the third-lowest rate of population

increase when compared to other parts of the nation. With 1,401,495 inhabitants, Isabela province has the

highest population density among the provinces, followed by Cagayan province (1,072,571), Nueva

Vizcaya province (397,837), Quirino province (163,610), and the Islands of Batanes (15,974).

Rice, corn, sugarcane, bananas, coconuts, and tobacco are some of the principal crops grown in

Region 02, which is primarily rural. At the moment, the region's administrative, commercial, and

financial centres are the capital city of Basco in Batanes; Aparri and Tuguegarao City in Cagayan; Ilagan,

Cauayan City, and Santiago City in Isabela; Solano and Bayombong in Nueva Vizcaya; and Cabarroguis

in Quirino.

There are a number of issues and difficulties in the three villages One of the main problems was

identified being access, particularly for the YKLW given that they are located in Cauayan City's furthest

community. Due to the fact that they are also college-level, the As most of them are leaving the

organisation, it is difficult to maintain activity within it.for their tertiary education once face-to-face

classes start up again in the community. The challenge for IEC and SWWA is to attract new clients and

grow orders to maintainfinancially stable business.All of them responded positively when asked how they

view opportunity in the [weaving] sector."Add more looms" was the reply. Some of the ladies harbour

entrepreneurial aspirations. The dreamer increased employment prospects for their local communities [i.e.

order growth; transition from part-time to full-time]. Additionally, for YKLW, opportunity implies more

mentoring and capacity-building programmes.towards developing a craft identity for [weaving].

A micro-scale yarn-spinning plant called the RYPIC Isabela will help grow the textile sector in

Northern Luzon. The factory has a capacity of 50 kilogramme of yarn each day (8 hours), which equates

to 270 metres of handloom woven fabric (1 m wide). A single RYPIC can produce 13,200 kg of yarn

every year, enough to produce 36,000 m of fabrics with a 60-inch width for 24,000 pieces of women's

blouses or 18,000 office Barong.

Empowering Lives Anew or i2TELA Programme." The first RYPIC was established in 2019 at the ISAT-

U Campus in Miagao, Iloilo in Western Visayas. This move paved the way for a regional perspective on

textile production that was true to the program's concept.

Abaca, pineapple, bananas, and bamboo are all abundant in the Philippines, which is proud of

these sources of textile fibre. The fibres most easily converted into textiles in the nation are those from

abaca and pineapple leaves. Bamboo, bananas, and pineapple are available in Cagayan Valley/Region II

for textile manufacture. Similar to this, close-by locations like Region I and CAR are good suppliers of

natural textile fibres.

The manufacturing of cotton-bamboo and other blended natural textile fibre (NTF) yarns will be

the main emphasis of the RYPIC Isabela. The treatment of bamboo textile fibre and other NTFs will be

handled by the Natural Textile Fibre Innovation Hub (NTFIH) Apayao and Bamboo Textile Fibre

Innovation Hub (BTFIH) Isabela, which for the purpose will supply the fibre requirements of RYPIC

Isabela. This is in contrast to RYPIC Iloilo, which has integrated fibre treatment and yarn spinning

facilities. Due to their convenient transit access and proximity to the raw material supply, these textile

fibre innovation centres are situated in a key location. The concept intends to increase geographic

specialisation, decentralise manufacturing, and widen the range of stakeholders in the textile supply

chain.

A complete line of spinning machines that can produce 50 kg of spun yarn per day was purchased

by the DOST-PTRI. The initiative also made it possible for partner universities and project employees to

grow and improve their capabilities.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. said during the RYPIC Isabela launch, "I encourage

everyone here to support RYPIC and its products. Let's keep pushing for a more sustainable economy

together. We hope that our efforts will motivate us to establish additional yarn innovation centres around
our nation, but this will only be feasible with the enthusiastic backing of the Filipino people. start by

having everyone here today.

Pro Tempore Senate President Hon. During the RYPIC Isabela launch, Sen. Loren B. Legarda,

the author of Republic Act 9242 or the Philippine Tropical Fabrics law, offered her support. She said,

"This Yarn Production and invention Centre is a big step forwards for the textile industry and a

monument to the strength of collaboration and invention because of its commitment to sustainability and

eco-friendliness. It can aid in waste reduction and promote the growth of circular economies, which I

zealously support. It aims to transform the market by giving regional and international partners a platform

for cooperation and innovation.Modes:Senate President Pro Tempore Hon. Loren Legarda delivering her

special message during the RYPIC Isabela launch DOST-PTRI Officer-in-Charge Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr.

expressed gratitude to all the partners who made the RYPIC Isabela possible. Dr. Leaño, in his closing

remarks, mentioned, “What we have in Ilagan, Isabela is maybe one of the best, if not the best

permutation of the yarn production system yet so far, but you know what they say, as also with our

natural resources, it’s not a matter of what you have, it’s what you do with what you have.”

Definition of Terms

1. Respondent Profile - demographic information of persons participating in the study, including age,

gender, civil status, educational attainment, monthly income, and years of abaca farming experience.

2. Abaca Production Challenges - barriers, challenges, or difficulties encountered by people involved in

abaca cultivation that impede the industry's development and sustainability.

3. Environmental Impacts of Abaca Production - include both beneficial and negative consequences of

abaca farming on the natural environment, such as deforestation, habitat damage, or soil deterioration.

4. The potential of abaca farming to offer a sustainable and equitable living for the communities engaged

in its production while assuring fair labor conditions and financial viability is referred to as social and

economic sustainability.
5. Sustainability in Abaca Production - the development and implementation of techniques and initiatives

aimed at decreasing negative environmental and social consequences while guaranteeing abaca

cultivation's long-term economic viability.

6. Future Abaca Production Prospects - This expression refers to the possible possibilities and problems

that the abaca industry may face in the next years, taking into consideration variables like as market

demand, technical progress, and changing environmental legislation.