Manila Hemp

Submitted by junsoriao on Wed, 06/27/2007 - 6:02am

Allow me to share the results of my limited research concerning the country's very own agricultural output known as Manila Hemp. I will not dwell on those other applications and uses of Manila Hemp by the industrial world that uses the product for paper currencies, industrial ropes, and for shipping needs. Unless these are but old news, it matters that the people from Catanduanes should be aware of the following developments associated with the Philippine abaca. And here I quote with permission from the editor of the Inquirer News Service:

"Demand for natural fiber, especially those bound for automotive composites, is experiencing steady demand. Daimler-Chrysler plans to utilize locally available natural fibers such as Manila hemp, abaca in the Philippines to meet demand. Daimler-Chrysler uses true hemp in Canadian and European production facilities. The automaker has approved the use of Philippine abaca for the exterior lining of its Class A cars, which includes the Plymouth and the Mercedes- Benz. Daimler-Chrysler has decided to incorporate Philippine abaca for its composite materials for the exterior lining of its cars. It has the same strength as fiberglass, minus the weight. Daimler-Chrysler just wants an assurance that the quality and quantity of Philippine fiber could be sustained in the next five years and that there would not be too much price fluctuations.

And here is what John Fennucio of The Massachusetts Collegian had to say...

"With gas and oil prices at an all-time high, the alternative solution for energy is hemp. Gas prices recently broke the $3-a-gallon mark for the first time in the region. The thought of hemp production as a cheap alternative to oil and gas is appealing because it can be converted into biomass that is in turn converted to energy."

The strategic value of these information is enormous from a developmental perspective. The provincial leaders of Catanduanes should focus on these opportunities to promote vital economic changes not only in Catanduanes but the entirety of the Bicol region.

junsoriao

‹ new data from FIDA Plant abaca, farmers urged (from Inquirer) ›

perfect

cai's picture
Submitted by cai on Wed, 06/27/2007 - 1:55pm.

this is a perfect opportunity for Catanduanes. im very excited about this development. any other info on the technology needed for this to work? we should study this carefully so that abaca farmers in Catanduanes will have more reasons to plant abaca. thanks, junsoriao.

Biomass from Hemp to Energy?

Dave's picture
Submitted by Dave on Wed, 06/27/2007 - 6:57am.

I will meet with the Governor tonight and will break this news. We will be grateful Jun if you can post here some more information about this biomass. Is there particular technology our farmers need to know? We should do some speculative ventures to prepare for that eventuality.

Fossil fuel is near its exit not only due to its depletion but also because of the global agreement on the shift to renewable energy sources.

Do I smell a gold mine here?

Dave L. Templonuevo, Jr.