Pineapple leaves fibers promoted in Bukidnon
REP. Jonathan Keith Flores of the 2nd District of Bukidnon has partnered with the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) to support the production of fibers from pineapple leaves which are abundant in the province.
Through this joint initiative, various equipment was turned over to 38 marginalized pineapple farmer groups with over 1,000 members on January 18 in Lantapan, Bukidnon.
Among the equipment given were one-unit decorticating machine, one-unit fiber brusher and one-unit hydraulic presser, which are designed to improve the extraction and produce better fiber from waste pineapple leaves.
These fibers will be sold to General Santos City and other parts of the country to be used for textile and other products.
This intervention under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program not only benefits the environment but also opens an opportunity for additional sources of income for the community.
Representative Flores took note of the growing pineapple industry in the province.
“Bukidnon is the Pineapple Capital of the Philippines. Wherever in the province, pineapple plantation is visible, and I’ve observed their process for disposing of plant parts after harvesting fruits,” the Bukidnon lawmaker said.
Flores said extracting fiber from pineapple leaves for textile production reduces waste and generates income for local communities.
Rep. Flores recognized the challenges posed by the costly and labor-intensive disposal method of pineapple leaves and partnered with DoST for a science and technology-based innovation to transform these wastes into valuable fiber.
He has also allocated additional funds to facilitate the acquisition of more equipment. This move is geared toward replicating the successful production model in other parts of Bukidnon, ensuring that the benefits of this project reach far and wide.
The local government of Lantapan has also expressed support for this initiative.
Present during the event were local government unit (LGU) Lantapan councilors Neil Joshua Luardo and Aurora Rubio, municipal engineer Jesell Pacturan, and Kibangay barangay officials and the presidents of the livelihood groups of HKJ Marketing Cooperative.
Lantapan Mayor Enrie Devibar has been an active partner of DoST Bukidnon since 2017 through the CEST program. Lantapan was awarded as the regional best CEST community by DoST in 2020.
Pineapple fiber, known for its versatility and quality, serves as a raw material for producing quality textiles that command a higher market price.
Recognizing the sustainability potential of the project, local pineapple companies have pledged their support by providing pineapple leaves.
The collaborative effort not only reduces waste but also reinforces the symbiotic relationship between industry players and the local community.
This project is anchored to the DoST Pillar of Wealth Creation, which aims to strengthen the livelihood initiatives through science, technology and innovation.
This is also anchored to the Sustainable Development Goal 8 of the United Nations, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.