Manila, Sept. 7 -- The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) regional office here is pushing for abaca bag making as an alternative livelihood in Leyte provinces as part of an effort to revitalize fiber-based handicrafts in the province.

PhilFIDA Eastern Visayas Regional Director Joseph Salas said in a phone interview on Monday that they have completed a training of trainers in Southern Leyte for school bag making on Sept. 1 to 4. They are scheduled to roll out the training in Leyte on Sept. 8 to 11.

"The capacity-building activity aimed not only to develop participants' skills in producing abaca-based products but also to establish a pool of trainers capable of sharing these skills with communities across Leyte pro...