FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list Rep. Brian Poe has called for stronger support for the country’ piña fiber industry as he highlighted its “transformation from a niche craft to a globally competitive export sector that celebrates Filipino farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs.”
Poe issued the call during a hearing on Wednesday by the House Committee on Agriculture and Food chaired by Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga.
Citing dramatic production growth yet persistent supply shortages, Poe presented concrete data to illustrate the industry’s untapped potential: “In 2016, the output of Piña nationwide was only 1 metric ton but now, as of 2025, it is 72 metric ton and yet it is still not enough for domestic demand.”
He connected his advocacy to his family’s roots in Lumban, Laguna—the embroidery capital whose artisans depend on piña fiber sourced from Aklan. “Supplies coming from Aklan are inadequate, not because there is lack of interest, but because there is a lack of support,” Poe emphasized, citing supply chain constraints.
