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
| Year ended December 31— | To all countries | To the United States | |||||
| Quantity | Value | Average value per 1,000 kilos | Percentage of total export | Quantity | Value | Percentage of total hemp | |
| Kilos | Pesos | Pesos | Kilos | Pesos | |||
| 1913 | 119,821,435 | 42,242,168 | 352.54 | 44 | 47,144,252 | 19,574,434 | 46 |
| 1914 | 116,386,575 | 38,389,630 | 329.85 | 39 | 50,140,193 | 19,238,752 | 50 |
| 1915 | 142,010,431 | 42,678,200 | 300.53 | 40 | 69,251,180 | 22,702,566 | 53 |
| 1916 | 137,326,092 | 53,384,593 | 388.70 | 38 | 66,344,154 | 27,279,018 | 51 |
| 1917 | 169,435,204 | 98,615,559 | 552.51 | 49 | 95,580,320 | 59,291,095 | 63 |
| 1918 | 169,260,377 | 116,383,100 | 687.60 | 43 | 86,823,997 | 65,468,402 | 56 |
| 1919 | 121,247,668 | 53,703,052 | 442.92 | 24 | 65,509,134 | 32,390,957 | 60 |
| 1920 | 141,485,785 | 71,724,000 | 506.93 | 24 | 67,041,769 | 41,228,052 | 58 |
| 1921 | 100,401,940 | 25,969,385 | 258.65 | 15 | 34,558,262 | 10,914,117 | 42 |
| 1922 | 172,026,591 | 39,081,829 | 227.18 | 20 | 83,544,420 | 20,663,552 | 53 |
Coconuts.—In the production of coconut, the Philippines is the third most important source in the world. It is excelled only by the Dutch East Indies and the Federated Malay States. It is estimated that there are some 84,536,710 trees in the islands which in 1922 produced 366,808,888 kilos of coprax, valued at ₱44,057,045.
The traveler in Philippine waters always notices along the coast the extensive groves of coconut palms which extend miles and miles into the hinterland as far as the eye can reach.
Uses of the Coconut In the Philippines the coconut tree serves many ends. The meat is eaten as a delicacy. The leaves supply roofing for houses. The shell of the nut is used for dishes, cups, and spoons; the oil for soap and illumination; in some sections the same oil is used as a frying fat for cooking purposes. The fiber from the husk is used for ropes and mats. The husk itself is used for fuel. The water inside the nut is an ever-ready delicious drink.
Oleomargarine comes from coconut oil fat, an industry which has developed considerably in Denmark and Germany and also in the United States.
Copra, or coprax—Other by-products.—Copra, or coprax as it is sometimes called, is the dried meat of the ripe coconut. It is obtained by breaking the nut into halves and drying them in the sun or artificially in kilns until the nut-meat is separated from the shell.