DA leads gab to help natural fibers compete versus synthetics

MANILA, Philippines - The importance of abaca, coconut coir and other natural fibers in the creation of jobs and incomes for farmers, and implementation of strategic measures to help natural fibers compete against synthetics will be discussed by Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap as keynote speaker in the International Conference on Business Opportunities for Natural Fibers.

The Department of Agriculture is the organizer of the conference along with the ASEAN Handicraft Promotions and Development Association (Ahpada) on Oct. 26 to 28, 2009, at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

The conference and the International Arts and Crafts Expo of Ahpada are supporting events of the country to celebrate the UN Declaration of the Year of Natural Fibers 2009. Current president of Ahpada is Dr. Mina T. Gabor, president of the Philippine Small and Medium Business Development Foundation and former tourism secretary.

Cooperatives, chambers, retailers, merchandisers, exporters, manufacturers, fashion designers, academe, students may contact the secretariat Philsmed at 832-0996 and 834-3994, 0916-697-46-57 (Ava Buzon) and 0916-374-6692 (Mobile Regalado), and [email protected].

The crafts expo, co-organized by the DA, is a unique opportunity for buyers and sellers and consumers to create and sustain their market network for various natural fabrics, clothing, gifts, packaging and other crafts.

The business opportunities conference is broken down into five sessions: (1) micro, small and medium enterprise development: the grant institution perspective; (2) poverty alleviation through natural fiber production and trade; (3) creating a competitive business environment; (4) buyers/sellers perspective; and (5) market opportunities of natural fibers.

Session 1 speakers are Dr. Filemon Uriarte of the Asean Foundation and Francisco J. Colayco of Colayco Foundation for Education. Session chairman is Dr. Rujaya Abnakorn of Ahpada Thailand.

Session 2 speakers are Kazuyuki Tsurumi of the Food and Agriculture Organization; Bisi Olateru-Olagbegi of the Women’s Consortium of Nigeria; Adelaida Lim/Ana India DC Legaspi of Silk Palawan and Pina Aklan, respectively. Session chairman is Cecilia Gloria J. Soriano of the Fiber Industry Development Authority.

Session 3 speakers are Trade Undersecretary Thomas Aquino; Khun Surapee Rojanavongse of Ahpada; Dr. Francisco M. Macaranas of the Asian Institute of Management. Session chairman is Le Ba Ngoc of the Vietnam Handicraft Association.

Session 4 speakers are Eliseo Miranda of Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines; Noorjehan Bilgrami of the Pakistan Textile – Natural Dye; Rajendra Suwal of the Kathmandu Guest House, Nepal. Session chairman is Dr. Rudy Lengkong of Ahpada Indonesia.

Session 5 speakers are Edric Ong (fashion/garments) of the Society Atelier Sarawak, Malaysia; Dita Sandico-Ong (gifts) of Cache Apparel, Philippines; Kenneth Cobonque (furniture and fixture) of Interior Crafts of the Islands, Philippines, and Audrey Ryan (packaging), Hersheys Packaging, USA. Session chairman is Cecilia O. Veneracion of the Philippine Chamber of Handicraft Industries.

Congressman Luis Villafuerte, publisher of the book “Abaca,” will talk on the global trends and prospects of abaca. Summary and closing will be made by Dr. David Baradas, social anthropologist and a committee member of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts.