Author : Salvador, Roja

Summary : Only those with enough heart and passion to persevere despite all obstacles and limitations can save and maintain an industry that makes a nation matchless. Upon the hands of the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) rests the great responsibility of nurturing a gift of nature to the Philippines - the abaca - which is now in grave danger of being wiped out by disease. And the people behind FIDA, despite three destructive plant viruses to fight, and despite lack of funds from the national government for so many years, are not willing to give up the fight - even if it means going way beyond what is expected of them. We need modern biotechnology to maintain the Philippines' place as the premiere producer of abacaa.