CONNER, Apayao – The Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera (DOST-CAR) through the Department of Science and Technology-Apayao (PSTO-Apayao) and the municipal government signed a memorandum of agreement for the Calaoan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CARBMC) on August 22, 2024 for a natural fiber decortication center.
This partnership centered on the “Integration of Science, Technology, and Innovation in the Establishment of a Natural Fiber Decortication Center” which shall be implemented in the municipality.
The project, worth of PhP395,400, aims to bring transformative change, introducing DOST-PTRI technology, featuring portable decorticating machines to efficiently extract natural fibers from banana and other sources.
By converting agricultural waste, such as banana pseudostems into valuable raw fibers, this initiative will create new revenue opportunities for the community.
Furthermore, the project is expected to empower local residents through training.
Twenty-five cooperative members shall undergo training on natural fiber extraction and pre-processing, which in turn result in income generation, job creation, and market linkages with the Apayao Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub.
This strategic application of science and technology is expected to significantly contribute to the socio economic condition of many families in Conner. By Michelle Acantilado
