MANILA HEMP OR ABACA

The revival for the utilization of hemp fibers, locally called abaca is very interesting considering the material is biodegradable. In the late 50’s and up to the early parts of the 70’s most of the natives, the ‘Bilaans’ and the ‘Manobos’ in the Southern part of the Philippines especially in Kidalapong, Malita, Davao del Sur would come to work in clothes made of abaca fibers or 'tinalak'. The natives processed the fibers into very colorful threads that are hand-woven into cloth. The colors usually simulate natural vegetations. The cloths were hand-sewn into vest and below the knee short pants. These are usually decorated with colorful beads as additional camouflage. Bells were also sewn into hemlines to drive away harmful animals in the thicket where most natives dwell.
Another use with which the natives have employed abaca or hemp fibers was those of ropes as bundling material.

Besides the Philippines, Panama is another major exporter of abaca to the United States. In 1952 alone, Panama exported about US$ 1.5 million to the US. The fibers were used for the manufacture of cords and jute bags (Biesanz 1955).

Some other countries have been importing abaca fibers from the Philippines too. Germany for example, for about 50 years now has been utilizing abaca fibers in many ways. They use the fibers as yarn materials for upholstery of couches, beds, and chairs. In 2005, Mercedez Benz indicated the utilization of the fibers in its manufactured cars (Manila Bulletin 2005).

Works Cited
Adams, Phoebe-Lou. 1999. Brief Reviews. The Atlantic Monthly, March, 116. http://www.questia.com/
Biesanz, Mavis, and John Biesanz. 1955. The People of Panama. New York: Columbia University Press. http://www.questia.com/
Catanduanes Fiber Industry Fast Recovering, FIDA Says. 2009. Manila Bulletin, July 11, NA. http://www.questia.com/
Cotabato Gears Up for T'nalak Festival. 2006. Manila Bulletin, June 26, NA. http://www.questia.com/
The Magical Essence of Abaca. 2006. Manila Bulletin, March 26, NA. http://www.questia.com/
Mindanao High-Value Crops Top RP Exports. 2007. Manila Bulletin, October 26, NA. http://www.questia.com/
National Resources Planning Board. 1943. Industrial Location and National Resources: December, 1942. National Resources Planning Board. Washington, DC: U.S. Govt. Print. Off. http://www.questia.com/
S Cotabato Offers a Variety of Choices. 2006. Manila Bulletin, August 28, NA. http://www.questia.com/
50 Years of RP-German Relations. July 2, 2005. Manila Bulletin. http://www.questia.com/