South Cotabato, Philippines | Februa ry 6, 2026—The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, under the leadership of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., continues to strengthen agricultural development through the distribution of 5,000 abaca seedlings, enough to plant five hectares, to local farmers of the Hillside Diversified Farmers Association in Sitio Lam-Afus, Barangay Lambangan, T’boli.
Governor Tamayo reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting high-value crops like abaca, which provides strong market opportunities and sustainable livelihood for farmers.
This initiative builds on the province’s sustained support for the abaca sector.
Reynaldo Nambong, a beneficiary of the abaca stripping machine, shared, “Dati isang araw pinakamataas na ang 10–20 kilos, ngayon sa tulong ng stripping machine umabot pa ng 100–200 kilos per day ng abaca strips.”
This shows that with larger farms and proper support, farmers can significantly increase production, and with the help of the machine, they are now able to fully utilize their abaca plants and produce much more efficiently.
Last year, through the leadership of Governor Tamayo and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato distributed 10 abaca stripping machines to 423 beneficiaries from various farmers’ associations in Lake Sebu and T’boli, helping improve fiber processing efficiency and farmers’ productivity.
The current seedling distribution aims to further expand production areas, improve fiber quality, and increase farm productivity in the province.
The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), together with partner agencies supporting the abaca industry, distributed seed-derived abaca seedlings from PhilFIDA-CMRES in Polomolok to local farmers.
The activity was facilitated by Provincial Abaca Program Coordinator Michael M. Sebastian with assistance from Agricultural Technician II Daryl R. Poblador, in coordination with Association President Leonardo Lacibal. Technical support and monitoring were provided by OMAG T’boli Agricultural Extension Worker Jeremy Liwa and PhilFIDA-PFO South Cotabato representative Jenny D. Rondina.
The program highlights the continued collaboration between the provincial government, national agencies, and local farmer groups in strengthening the abaca industry and promoting inclusive agricultural growth in South Cotabato.
