CATANDUANES, Philippines – Ric Tano is a 56-year-old abaca farmer from Kilikilihan, San Miguel, Catanduanes. The father of 10 has dedicated 48 years of his life to abaca farming. Balancing his time between being a full-time electrician and a part-time abaca farmer, Ric symbolizes resilience and hard work in the local community.
Ric’s moving story is just one of the many that was highlighted during the 8th Abaca Festival in May, held in Catanduanes with the theme, “Pagkamoot sa Abaca: Paglaom asin Kusog Kan Islang Maogma” (Love for Abaca: Hope and Strength of the Happy Island). The festival aimed to celebrate abaca’s rich cultural heritage and economic significance in the region. Love for his craft “Ang dagang ini, sa ina ko pa.
Dahil uya nakakabakal man kami ning samuyang pangangaipo. Uya talaga kami nabubuhay (This land belonged to my mother. It has provided for our daily needs.
Abaca farming has been our lifeline),” Ric said, fondly recalling his connection to abaca . Ric remained optimistic despite the fluctuations in abaca prices, with rates reaching as high as P75 per kilo and dropping as low as P32 per kilo last year. He emphasized the positive impact of high prices, saying, “ Magian sa pagmati, lalo na pag mahal ang bandala (It lightens our spirits, especially when the selling price is favorable).
” Ric Tano surrounded by bundles of high-quality abaca fibers in Kilikilihan, San Miguel, Catanduanes. Andreana Chavez/Rappler Ric’s love for abaca is unde.
