Mapping Southern Leyte’s Abaca Resources
LEYTE - Southern Leyte is receiving expanded attention as government officials work to build a more accurate picture of the province’s abaca production. The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority has completed its initial survey in Sogod and is now preparing to extend the fieldwork to Bontoc and Maasin City. The effort is part of the National Fibercrop Survey and Mapping Project, which seeks to gather updated information about fiber-producing areas and the farmers who depend on these crops. By identifying where farms are located and documenting their conditions, the government can develop programs that are more closely matched to the needs of local producers.
Sogod Survey Reveals Scale of Abaca Production
The initial fieldwork in Sogod covered 2,657.34 hectares of total farm area, including 1,170.09 hectares classified as fibercrop areas. Survey teams documented more than 923,000 abaca hills and identified approximately 839.63 hectares of effectively planted areas. The assessment also recorded 15,772 abaca hills affected by disease, providing important information about one of the challenges facing local production. These findings give PhilFIDA a clearer understanding of the scale of abaca cultivation in Sogod while also highlighting areas where farmers may require additional technical or agricultural assistance.
Local Farmers Play a Key Role in the Survey
The mapping project relies not only on government personnel but also on the cooperation of local communities. Farmer guides have helped survey teams locate farms, determine property boundaries, and verify information gathered during field visits. Their familiarity with the local terrain and farming communities allows enumerators to work more efficiently and accurately. Local government units, barangay officials, partner agencies, and abaca farmers have likewise contributed to the implementation of the survey, demonstrating the importance of community participation in developing reliable agricultural data.
Survey Expansion Supports Long-Term Agricultural Planning
For 2026, the National Fibercrop Survey and Mapping Project is being implemented in Bicol and Eastern Visayas, with a combined target of 6,300 hectares and a budget of PHP5.04 million. Southern Leyte's survey is expected to continue toward a target of 5,000 hectares this year, with data validation and consolidation taking place alongside the fieldwork. The project is also scheduled to expand further in 2027, when the remaining provinces of Eastern Visayas will be covered with a target area of 20,000 hectares. With more comprehensive data becoming available, Southern Leyte and other Eastern Visayas provinces can strengthen their planning for a more productive, resilient, and sustainable abaca industry.
