-------------------------+--------------------------- | Value Article +-------------+------------- | 1921 | 1922 -------------------------+-------------+------------- | | Abaca (Manila hemp). | P25,969,385 | P39,081,829 Coconut oil. | 32,103,036 | 31,468,971 Copra. | 26,146,913 | 28,206,146 Sugar. | 51,037,454 | 51,165,110 Tobacco products. | 16,564,434 | 17,340,236 Maguey. | 1,848,794 | 2,973,203 Cordage. | 918,544 | 1,099,375 Fruits and nuts. | 239,060 | 532,632 Rubber, crude. | 25,700 | ---- Ilang-ilang oil. | 57,554 | 60,606 -------------------------+--------------------------- Rice is almost exclusively the staple foodstuff of the people; but corn in some provinces constitutes an important part of the daily diet. Although the production of rice has been increasing steadily since 1910 the Philippines has had to import rice from other countries, especially Indo-China, for a part of its supply. The government is now exerting every effort towards solving the problem. Immense sums are being appropriated for the construction of irrigation systems so indispensable in the successful growing of rice. [Fibers] Abaca (Manila hemp).--The Philippines is the only source in the world for abaca, commercially known as Manila hemp. There are two other commercial fibers, however, that grow in the islands. These are sisal and maguey. Although other kind of fibers grow in other countries especially in Mexico, the world must always use a certain amount of the Manila hemp for binder twine and for high grade ropes. HEMP EXPORTS, 1913-1922