IN the heart of Mindanao, in the province of Bukidnon, a new green revolution is unfolding. Spearheaded by Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the farmers of Bukidnon are turning the once-overlooked waste of pineapple leaves into a source of sustainable income.
On a sunny day in Lantapan, Bukidnon, pineapple farmers gathered, buzzing with excitement. They were part of the 38 farmer groups receiving a gift that promised to change their lives.
The date was January 18, 2024, a day that marked the beginning of a new era for over 1000 farmers.
The gifts were no ordinary tools. They were machines designed to harness the hidden value in pineapple leaves: a decorticating machine to strip the leaves, a fiber brusher to clean them, and a hydraulic presser to finish the process.
These would help farmers extract the strong, silky fibers that lay within the leaves.
This was not just about technology; it was about transformation. The new equipment meant that farmers could now produce high-quality fibers that would be sold across the country, from General Santos City to various other regions.
These fibers, coveted for textile manufacturing and other products, would offer a new revenue stream for the farmers.
The initiative was a part of the Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) program.
It was about more than just profit; it was about caring for the environment and empowering a community with the means to improve their own lives.
Rep. Flores was keenly aware of the potential. “Bukidnon is the Pineapple Capital of the Philippines,” he noted. “We have the opportunity to reduce waste and offer our people a way to earn more from what we already grow.”
The partnership with DOST was a response to the challenges faced by farmers when disposing of pineapple leaves.
Previously, the process was costly and labor-intensive. Now, with the help of science and technology, those leaves were turned into valuable fiber.
But Rep. Flores didn’t stop there. He ensured additional funds were allocated for more equipment, aiming to spread the benefits of this model throughout Bukidnon, so that prosperity would be shared among many more.
The local government of Lantapan showed their support for the initiative as well. Notable figures such as councilors Hon. Neil Joshua C. Luardo and Hon. Aurora Rubio, Municipal Engineer Jesell S. Pacturan, and barangay officials, stood alongside the mayor, Enrie Devibar, who had been a partner of DOST since 2017.
Their town had already tasted the fruits of such collaboration, having been recognized by DOST for their exceptional CEST community work.
Pineapple fiber is not just any material. It is renowned for its quality and versatility, leading to textiles that fetch a higher price in the market. Local pineapple companies see the potential and have committed to providing leaves to the farmers, ensuring a steady supply for this new venture.
This project is a testament to the power of collaboration, falling under the DOST Pillar of Wealth Creation and in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal number 8.
It is a story of how a community, armed with the right technology and support, can turn waste into wealth, ensuring sustainable growth and decent work for all. (With a report from Jenifer O. Pancho/DOST 10)
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