BAMBOO INDUSTRY

Abra is known for its bamboo. Bamboo has always been there in every Abrenio's every day life. This tallest grass has been creatively transforemed into beautiful products, they befunctional or novelty items, that are carving a niche' in the local and foreign markets.

Gifts and Housewares

Finely crafted bamboo-based products that come in various designs, sizes and functionality such as baskets, bags, hats, fans, plates, placemats, trays, planters, hot pads, coasters, organizers, magazine racks, attache case, candle holders, pen and card holders, lamp shades, vases and wall decors can be a common sight and fashion accents in every home, office, hotel or restaurant. These wide array of products of products that come from 73 craft villages in the province are perfect as gifts for household wares and can be ordered either as functional items or novelties for any occasion.

Furniture & Furnishings

For those with peculiar taste in homestyle and living, furniture and furnishings are produced by a combination of bamboo species. Sala sets come in different designs and make. Dividers and blinds are produced by a combination of kawayan tinik, puser, talahib or reed. Beach chair in small, mediumm and large sizes are fastest selling items because of their ergonomic designs. The three leveled reclining seat can be used outdoors and indoors. They come in handy during travels to picnics because they are collapsible or folded. So with the table and footstool.

LOOM WEAVING

Loomweaving is a tradition of craftsmanship passed on from generation to generation in Bulbulala, La Paz, Abra because of the use of antique handlooms. It is a livelihood activity that serves as a sustenance for the day to day living keeping each family alive. Loomwoven products such as blankets, placemats, table runners, pillow cases, shawls, yardages and Tapis in different designs are perfect for gifts and keepsake for any occasion.

WOOD-BASED INDUSTRY (HOME FURNISHINGS)

• The sales performance of the wood industry is 267.58 percent higher than its investment size.
• Almost all municipalities have harvestable hardwood and softwood for raw materials.  Timber resource in the area is estimated at 13,760 cubic meters.
• The quality of the home furnishings made in the wood-based industry in Abra is a big factor in its progressiveness.

SUGARCANE-BASED INDUSTRY

• The industry’s export potential can be foreseen to be continuously increasing in the coming years. This is based on the export trends of sugarcane-based products which maintain its high value in the market.
• Major sugarcane-based products in Abra include Muscovado Sugar (which is exported by the Philippines to countries such as Australia, France, Germany, and Hongkong, among others); cane vinegar (a popular ingredient used in Filipino cuisine); and cane wine or basi (consumed mostly during local festivities).

PROCESSED-FOOD INDUSTRY

Delicacies

Bangued is the home of most delectable native delicacies. Masa Podrida, the most sought after product that comes in a dozen or bite size pack. Prepared from a mixture of flour and coconut cream, it is laid on green banan leaves as native wrapping when being cooked. It is ideal for snacks and Pasalubong.

Other glutinous rice-based products such as special "bibingka" with grated coconut and cheese toppings, "biko" and "suman" satisfy one's craving for native cakes.

And the sweet, crispy and crunchy cracker called "inladit" is an ilocano term derived from its process of preparation. Flour undergoesseries of rolling and kneading until it is flattened too thin and elastic enough to be cut into bite sizes, deep fried and soaked into syrup. It is considered as an ethnic food in the province because of the traditional process of preparation

The processed-food industry in Abra ranges from meat-based to fruit-based, flour-based, and glutinous rice-based products.

• Investment size ranges from PhP804,000 (fruit-based) to PhP120,000 (glutinous rice-based), while sales generation is around PhP370,000 per month.
• The industry’s challenge is to expand to reach markets outside the province of Abra.