KALIBO, Aklan - There is an unlimited demand nowadays for the production of piña (pineapple) fiber and experts believe that this is one sector that could really help alleviate the lives of the poor.

In a joint press conference, Agham partylist Rep. Angelo Palmones and international fashion designer Patis Tesoro both called on the government and the Aklan residents to produce more piña fiber fabric as the Philippines is short on the global demand.

"I had been invited to Europe next month to talk about the Philippine's fiber industry, so the country needs to prepare for more demand coming from the Europe," Tesoro said.

This global demand is attributed to the global concern on conserving the environment as all walks of life are now concentrated into using natural materials.

Aklan province is considered as the original source of pina fiber being used for the production of original piña barongs.

Farmers are using the Red Spanish Pineapple variety for the production of fiber for the barong tagalog.

"What's best for Aklan is the piña fiber plantation is being owned by the small scale farmers and entrepreneurs," Tesoro said.

For his part, Palmones said that he is crafting a housebill declaring the Aklan piña fiber product as a benchmark. (PNA)