I.

Name of Project : ABACA PRODUCTION PROJECT

Project Location : Penacio, Clarin, Misamis Occ.
Proponent : Penacio Farmers Association, Inc.
Registration : Securities and Exchange Commision
Address of Proponent: Penacio, Clarin, Misamis Occ.
Project Cost : PhP 165,000.00
No. of Beneficiaries : 40
Source of Funds : DENR-AHP

II. Background

Introduction

Abaca (Musa textiles Nee) a plant belonging to the musaceae family or Manila
hemp as it is known commercially in international trade is endemic to the
Philippines that grows in the wild and in most rural areas. It is cultivated in some
upland marginal areas or grown commercially for its fibers which are used as raw
materials for pulp, cordage and handicraft industries. Abaca is considered as one
of the strongest among natural fibers. The crop has been proven profitable and
has continuously provided income to many Filipinos, especially those to the
uplands for their subsistence.

Rationale

Abaca when intercropped with fruit trees or timber trees could not only be a good
source of income to the upland dwellers but also prevent soil erosion. Therefore
integrating abaca into existing reforestation project not only provides additional
income to farmers but also maintains an ecological balance of nature as farmers
can help to protect and maintain target areas as well through ecologically sound
abaca fiber production. And as abaca fiber’s demand in both the local and
international markets rapidly surge and as more areas are available for planting,
opportunities and developments in the uplands awaits like those living within the
peripherals of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park.

In barangay Penacio, Clarin, Misamis Occidental, abaca has been observed to

grow very favorably and some farmers plant the crops in their farms as border
plants in existing farm lots to serve as boundary of adjoining farm lot.

III. Objectives:

1. To maximize land potentials and productivity.

2. To conserve soil by minimizing erosion through increase vegetative cover.
3. To augment the income of marginal farmers.
4. To provide and generate jobs of upland dwellers.
IV. Project Description

This project will target about 10 ha. of NGP falcata plantation to be planted
side by side with abaca using low density spacing (3x3). Preferred areas are
those NGP plantation implemented during the past five years as these areas
will provide partial shades for the abaca plantation.

V. Mechanics and Implementation

1. Staking and Spacing

a. Planting points are to be marked with stakes using suitable size and a
rope for guiding to form a straight line planting. Planting points should
be located in between rows of falcata.
b. Depending on the shade from existing trees, and soil fertility, the
planting density of abaca should averages to 1000 plants/ha.

2. Planting
a. Right time to plant is during early morning or late afternoon.
b. It is not advisable to plant young and succulent seedlings as they are
susceptible to planting shocks or stress.
c. Best season to plant in the field is during the onset of rainy season.
d. Size of the hole should be big enough to accommodate the ball of the soil
mass.
e. Normally, a hole of 30 cm wide x 30 cm long and 30 cm deep.
f. In holing, the surface of soil should be separated from the sub-soil.
g. Basal fertilizers are very important to enhance the growth of abaca
seedlings in the establishment stage.

3. Care and Maintenance

a. Weeding
Ring weeding the plant 1 meter in radius from the base of the plant by
using sickle or bolo.
b. Fertilization
In the absence of soil analysis recommended rates of fertilizer
application for various ages of abaca plants will be determine
appropriately based on the condition and growth of plants. The
frequency of fertilizer application is once every forty five days.

VI. Expected Output

At least ten ha. of NGP site is intercropped with abaca plantation and ten
thousand abaca seedlings planted and maintained.

VII. Work and Financial Plan (see attached)

VIII. Monitoring and Evaluation

Monitoring and evaluation will be done periodically to determine the progress,

impact and any change stories that the project may bring and may contribute
to the community. The proponent will be required to submit their monthly
accomplishment report.

Prepared by: Conformed:

MILLER J. VILLAS MELY D. MENTANG

Extension Officer President, Penacio Farmers
Association, Inc.

Checked and Reviewed: Approved:

GLORIA P. RESTAURO REY S. FERNANDEZ

DMO III/APASu PENRO/Concurrent PASu