President Rodrigo Duterte has declared the province of Catanduanes as the Abaca Capital of the Philippines in recognition of its status as the biggest producer of the raw material.
Duterte made the status official through Republic Act No. 11700 signed on April 15, a copy of which was made available Tuesday.
"In recognition of its status as the country's biggest producer of abaca and making the Philippines world-renowned as 'Manila Help' in the fiber industry, and in support to agricultural development of the province, it is hereby declared that Catanduanes be the Abaca Capital of the Philippines," Duterte said in the law.
ALSO READ: Davao City is Officially the Chocolate Capital of the Philippines
The policy aims to recognize the importance of the abaca industry as a driver of rural development and to help the livelihood of farmers.
Catanduanes is home to the native abaca plant, known for its strong fiber. The Bicol province even holds a yearly Abaca Festival.
READ:The Many Food Capitals of the Philippines, Explained