Camille Villar vows to strengthen abaca industry

CATANDUANES — During her recent campaign visit to the Bicol Region, senatorial candidate Camille Villar expressed her strong support for Catanduanes’ thriving abaca industry, recognizing the province as the abaca capital of the Philippines and a leading producer of abaca worldwide.

“Congratulations on being the world’s top producer of abaca,” Villar told the residents of Catanduanes.

“Because of this, your economy and livelihoods are vibrant. We are truly proud of this industry here in your province, especially since abaca is known globally as the world’s strongest fiber,” she added.

Villar highlighted the significance of abaca not only for local economic development but also for its global demand, particularly as it is used by world-renowned Filipino designers. She stressed the importance of further strengthening agriculture and local trade to create more job opportunities and sustainable livelihoods for Filipinos.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Catanduanes has 36,853 hectares dedicated to abaca production, cultivated by around 15,000 abaca farmers or “abacaleros.”

Villar emphasized the need to maintain the Philippines’ standing as a global leader in abaca production by providing sufficient support to the industry and ensuring that farmers receive competitive prices for their products.

“We will continue to strengthen the agricultural sector and ensure that abaca farmers get the support they need,” Villar said. She also emphasized expanding assistance not only to Catanduanes but also across the entire Bicol Region.

“I share the same vision with all of you,” she added. “We will sustain our support for Catanduanes and for the Bicol Region to ensure we remain a global leader in the abaca industry.”

Villar’s visit to Catanduanes forms part of her broader advocacy to promote local industries, boost agriculture, and empower rural economies as essential pillars of national progress.