Sat | 1.16.2021 | 8:00 AM

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea D. Domingo (middle) turns over a check worth P6.1 million to PhilFIDA Deputy Executive Director Annray Rivera (right). Also in photo is PAGCOR's Vice President for Corporate Social Responsibility Group Jimmy Bondoc (left). The agency's donation will be used for the construction of the Phase II building of PhilFIDA’s Ilocos Cotton Processing Center as well as for the supply, delivery, installation, and testing of cotton fiber processing equipment in Ilocos Norte.

To help boost the production of fibers in the country, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) turned over P6.1 million to the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), the government agency in-charge of developing and sustaining the fiber industry.

According to PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea D. Domingo, the financial grant "shall be used for the construction of the Phase II building of PhilFIDA’s Ilocos Cotton Processing Center as well as for the supply, delivery, installation, and testing of cotton fiber processing equipment in Ilocos Norte."

PhilFIDA Deputy Executive Director Annray Rivera said the phase II of the processing center is where the cotton yarns will be processed, and the donation from PAGCOR will help facilitate the work of cotton farmers.

“Sa ngayon, konti ang production area natin, konti lang ang nagagamit sa atin na cotton. Ang ating President Rodrigo Duterte ay nakita ang kalagayan kaya nais nyang tulungan ang ating cotton farmers. Kaya nagbigay ang gobyerno ng tulong sa PhilFIDA, at kasama dito ang P6.1 million na galing sa PAGCOR, upang matapos ang aming existing cotton processing center,” she said.

Rivera shared that the Philippines produces different types of natural fibers such as abaca, cotton, pineapple, silk, among others. These fibers are being used to produce various products like textile, handicrafts, infant products, surgical face masks, drug testing kits and even parts for airplanes and cars. Local weavers also use the country’s fibers to produce clothes.

She added that the country is the largest producer of abaca fibers supplying about 87% of the world’s requirement for the production of various materials.

“Kami sa PhilFIDA ang nangangalaga at nagpaparami ng natural fibers ng bansa. We work to achieve an industry capable of meeting the global demands for renewable and environment-friendly materials. We are very grateful for the generous support from PAGCOR. Malaking tulong ito sa ating farmers at upang maitaguyod pa ang ating local fiber industry,” Rivera expressed.

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