Abaca, also known as manila hemp, is extracted from the leaf sheath of the abaca plant, a close relative of banana native to the Philippines. It is one of the strongest natural fibers and is used by the paper industry for teabags and other specialty papers. Abaca fiber is also used to make durable ropes, ship's lines, fishing nets, bags, carpets, clothing and furniture due to its strength and resistance to salt water damage. Planting abaca assists with erosion control, biodiversity rehabilitation, and prevention of floods and landslides while abaca waste can be used as organic fertilizer.

1. ABACA

3. The plant
Also called manila hemp, abaca
is extracted from the leaf sheath around the
trunk of the abaca plant (Musa textilis), a
close relative of the banana, native to the
Philippines and widely distributed in the
humid tropics. Harvesting abaca is labour
intensive as each stalk must be cut into strips
which are scraped to remove the pulp. The
fibres are then washed and dried.

4. USES:
Due to its strength, it is a sought after product and
is the strongest of the natural fibers.
 It is used by the paper industry for such specialty
uses as teabags, and mimeograph mats.
 It can be used to make handcrafts like bags,
carpets, clothing and furniture.
 Abacá rope is very durable, flexible and resistant
to salt water damage, allowing its use
in hawsers, ship's lines and fishing nets.
 Abacá fiber was once used primarily for rope, but
this application is now of minor significance.

5. Lupis is the
finest quality of
abacá.

6. Sinamay is woven chiefly from
abacá.

8. Environmental benefits
Erosion control and biodiversity
rehabilitation can be assisted by
intercropping abaca in former monoculture
plantations and rainforest areas, particularly
with coconut palms. Planting abaca can
also minimize erosion and sedimentation
problems in coastal areas which are
important breeding places for sea fishes. The
water holding capacity of the soil will be
improved and floods and landslides will also
be prevented. Abaca waste materials are
used as organic fertilizer.

11. Sinamay Products

12. Filipino Attire
Barong

13. Thank you so much
 Penn & Jojo Larena
 St. Paul University Dumaguete
 Pinili Cultural Educational Heritage Society
 Dumaguete Arts & Festival Society
 SPUD Cultural ANTHROPOLOGY Class

14. God bless u & Thank you