Research and development
Breeding, crop protection, and fiber extraction research that lifts yield and quality across the sector.
Department of Agriculture attached agency
Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA)
PhilFIDA is the national agency that regulates and develops the Philippine natural fiber industry. It runs the research, production support, laboratory, standards, and licensing work behind abaca, coconut coir, silk, piña, and the other Philippine natural fibers.
- Attached agency of the Department of Agriculture
- Standards, licensing, research, and production support
- Head office in Quezon City, services through the regions
Abaca, coir, silk, piña and more- About 87 percentPhilippine share of the world abaca supply
- 1981Fiber Industry Development Authority created under Executive Order 709
- 2013FIDA and the Cotton Development Administration consolidated into PhilFIDA
Mandate and history
One agency for every Philippine natural fiber
PhilFIDA is mandated to promote the growth and development of the Philippine natural fiber industry. It does that through research and development, production support, extension support together with education and training, fiber processing and utilization, and standards implementation with trade regulation.
The agency was formed by merging two attached agencies of the Department of Agriculture. The Fiber Industry Development Authority, created by Executive Order 709 in 1981, promoted natural fiber other than cotton. The Cotton Development Administration, created under Republic Act 8486 in 1998, drove the local cotton industry. The Department of Budget and Management approved their rationalization plan on 29 May 2013, and the consolidated Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority carries both mandates today.
The head office sits at the FPUL Building inside the Bureau of Animal Industry compound on Visayas Avenue in Vasra, Quezon City, and the agency serves fiber growers, processors, traders, and exporters through its regional offices.
PhilFIDA at a glance
- Full name
- Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority
- Short name
- PhilFIDA
- Parent
- Department of Agriculture
- Formed
- 2013, from FIDA and CODA
- Executive Director
- Arnold I. Atienza
- Head office
- FPUL Building, BAI Compound, Visayas Avenue, Vasra, Quezon City
- Regulatory portal
- philfidaregulatory.ph
Statutory functions
What PhilFIDA is tasked to do
Nine functions define the agency work, from national policy down to fiber grading and the accreditation of the people who trade, classify, and fabricate fiber.
1
Formulates and implements integrated programs and policy guidelines for the fiber industry, in consultation with industry stakeholders.
2
Harmonizes the programs, projects, and activities of every sector involved in the Philippine natural fiber industry.
3
Undertakes research and development for the production, processing, and utilization of fibers.
4
Helps formulate and develop standards for the commercial fibers produced, or that may be produced, in the Philippines.
5
Regulates fiber trading through the licensing and registration of traders, exporters, manufacturers, and classifiers.
6
Recommends the accreditation of seed growers and nursery operators.
7
Accredits fabricators who manufacture PhilFIDA designed machinery, tools, and equipment.
8
Enforces the Philippine National Standards for fiber classification, grading, baling, tagging, and marking.
9
Runs skills development training and workshops to raise the technical and entrepreneurial capacity of stakeholders.
Fibers under mandate
The natural fibers PhilFIDA covers
Philippine natural fibers come from leaves, stalks, husks, and seed. These are the crops the agency supports, standards, and classifies.
AbacaLeaf fiber from the abaca plant, known as one of the strongest natural fibers.
Coconut coirHusk fiber for cordage, brushes, and geotextiles.
RamieFine, lustrous bast fiber used in textiles and blends.
SilkAnimal fiber from Philippine sericulture.
MagueyLeaf fiber for cordage and traditional weaving.
SalagoBast fiber for specialty paper and rope.
KenafFast growing bast fiber for cordage and board.
KapokLight seed fiber used for stuffing and padding.
Pineapple (piña)Lustrous leaf fiber for formal wear and handwoven cloth.
CottonThe main textile fiber crop, folded into the mandate in 2013.
BuntalPalm fiber for hats, bags, and fine weaving.
Service lines
How PhilFIDA works with the industry
Five service lines carry the mandate from research through to the license that lets a business trade in fiber.
Technical assistance
Advisory and extension support for growers, processors, cooperatives, and local government units.
Production support
Planting material, nurseries, and shared processing facilities that expand fiber output.
Fiber utilization laboratory
The Fiber Utilization and Technology Division tests fiber quality and develops new fiber products.
Regulatory and licensing
Registration of trade participants, plus the PTF and CFI issuances that travel with Philippine fiber.
Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law
The law that links Philippine fiber to government uniforms
Republic Act 9242, the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law of 2004, directs government offices to use Philippine tropical fabrics for the official uniforms of public officials and employees, and to buy them from local sources. Tropical fabric means natural fiber that is produced, spun, woven or knitted, and finished in the Philippines.
- Who it covers: government officials and employees, and other government functions that use fabric.
- What counts: Philippine tropical fabric means local natural fiber, finished inside the country.
- Why it matters: the rule turns leaf, stalk, and husk fiber into steady domestic demand for uniforms and textile work.
Regulatory lane
Licenses and issuances for fiber trade
PhilFIDA regulates fiber trading through licensing and registration, and it enforces the national standards that travel with every bale of fiber.
Licensing of fiber trade participantsTraders, exporters, manufacturers, and classifiers are licensed and registered before they trade.
Implementation of fiber standardsClassification, grading, baling, tagging, and marking under the Philippine National Standards.
Accreditation of seed growers and machine fabricatorsAccreditation for seed growers, nursery operators, and makers of PhilFIDA designed equipment.
PTF and CFI issuancesPhilippine Tropical Fabrics and CFI issuances for fiber that moves into the local textile chain.
Applications are filed through the PhilFIDA online regulatory portal at philfidaregulatory.ph. Process flows and downloadable forms sit on the agency site at philfida.da.gov.ph/regulatory.
Frequently asked questions
PhilFIDA questions, answered
What is PhilFIDA and what does it do?
PhilFIDA is the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture. It promotes the growth and development of the Philippine natural fiber industry through research and development, production support, extension support, education and training, fiber processing and utilization, and standards implementation and trade regulation.
Which fibers are under the PhilFIDA mandate?
PhilFIDA covers Philippine natural fibers such as abaca, coconut coir, ramie, silk, maguey, salago, kenaf, kapok, pineapple or piña, cotton, and buntal. The old Fiber Industry Development Authority handled natural fiber other than cotton, while the Cotton Development Administration handled cotton, and the two were consolidated into PhilFIDA in 2013.
Where is the PhilFIDA head office and how do I reach it?
The head office is at the FPUL Building, BAI Compound, Visayas Avenue, Vasra, Quezon City. The telephone numbers are (02) 8 531 7854 and (02) 8 273 2474 local 2662, 2663, and 2664. The email is inquiry@philfida.da.gov.ph and the website is philfida.da.gov.ph.
How do I apply for a fiber license or accreditation?
Applications for licenses, Philippine Tropical Fabrics certificates, and CFI issuances are filed through the PhilFIDA online regulatory portal at philfidaregulatory.ph. The agency publishes its process flows and downloadable forms on philfida.da.gov.ph.
What is the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law?
Republic Act 9242, the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law of 2004, prescribes the use of Philippine tropical fabrics for the official uniforms of government officials and employees, and for government purposes that use fabric. Tropical fabric means natural fiber that is produced, spun, woven or knitted, and finished in the Philippines, and it must be bought from local sources.
How large is the Philippine abaca industry?
The Philippines is the world leading abaca producer and supplies the large majority of global demand, a share PhilFIDA cites at about 87 percent. Abaca is known as one of the strongest natural fibers and is used in cordage, specialty paper, textiles, and composites.
Does PhilFIDA offer laboratory or technical services?
Yes. The Fiber Utilization and Technology Division runs laboratory services for fiber quality and product development, and the agency provides technical assistance, training, and production support through its regional offices. You can request laboratory services through the form on philfida.da.gov.ph.
PhilFIDA official contact
- Head office
- FPUL Building, BAI Compound, Visayas Avenue, Vasra, Quezon City
- Telephone
- (02) 8 531 7854
(02) 8 273 2474 local 2662, 2663, and 2664 - Website
- philfida.da.gov.ph
- Online portal
- philfidaregulatory.ph for licenses, PTF, and CFI
- Freedom of information
- foi.gov.ph/agencies/philfida
Need apparel built around Philippine fiber?
RB Advertising and RB Prints produce uniforms, event shirts, and corporate merchandise from a workshop in Tagum City. If your agency or organization is working under the tropical fabrics rule, or you simply want local fiber in the fabric brief, message us on any channel below.
Agency and mandate details checked against philfida.da.gov.ph and its functions and contact pages, and Republic Act 9242, the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law. Last reviewed 27 September 2026.