Inventory and Resource Mapping of Fiber Yielding Plants in Mountain Province

Abstract

Fiber crops are industrial field crops grown for their fibers which are valuable in the manufacture of paper, cloth, rope and textile products. In the Philippines, the major fiber crops as identified by the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) include abaca, silk and pina. In Mountain Province, the villagers use the fibers from indigenous crops in the hinterland in tying animals, bundling firewood and palay, and as clotheslines. The study was conducted to catalogue the fiber yielding plants in Mountain Province and to identify the specific areas where this grow. Descriptive research design using inventory, survey and mapping was utilized in the study. Preliminary consultation with the Municipal Agricultural Offices was conducted and validation was coordinated with the DENR-ERDS in Loacan, Baguio City Philippines. Findings show that there are eighteen fiber yielding plants in the province. Fibers may occur in almost any part of a plant: stems, leaves, fruits, seeds, or roots and are classified as trees, herbs, shrubs, and ferns. Majority of the fiber yielding plants are found in Western Mountain Province and they thrive in forests and mountains. Moreover, there are eleven families of the fiber yielding plants, majority of which belong to the family moraceae. These fiber yielding plants are recommended to be grown and propagated in the different municipalities of Mountain Province. Lastly, training on management of the fiber yielding plants should be conducted to add knowledge and ensure greater yield and quality produce.