At present only the Cebu coal fields are extensively developed. The latest data on coal production in the Philippines are 5,407 metric tons for 1917; about 20,000 metric tons for 1918; 40,011 for 1921 and 36,939 for 1922.[1] The importations from 1908 to 1922 were as follows:
Importations of coal into the Philippine Islands, 1908–1922
| Year | Quantity | Value |
| Metric ton | Pesos | |
| 1908 | 504,244 | 2,884,764 |
| 1914 | 597,131 | 3,499,490 |
| 1919 | 400,537 | 7,781,307 |
| 1920 | 540,056 | 10,792,077 |
| 1921 | 461,889 | 6,987,004 |
| 1922 | 461,478 | 5,009,362 |
OTHER INDUSTRIES
Fishing.—Philippine waters abound in food fishes of all kinds. However, the amount of fish caught is not even enough to meet the local demand. Fishing is mostly done in shallow water, the methods employed not being adequate for deep-sea fishing. There is great need for modern equipment for purposes of deep-sea fishing. The islands are still a heavy importer of fish products. The City of Manila alone consumes ₱4,000,000 worth of fresh fish a year.
There are various sea products of the islands, which can be profitably exploited, such as oysters and other shell fish. Raw materials for canning purposes are available. Oil and tomatoes could easily be procured that possess good preserving qualities.
Alcohol.—For the manufacture of alcohol the Philippines offer an abundant supply of raw materials. There is the nipa sap from nipa palms which are found in extensive groves in water swamps. There is the discarded molasses from the sugar mills amounting annually to 7,000,000 gallons. There are fruits, especially bananas, which could be grown in unlimited quantities and manufactured into alcohol. To these, may be added wood-waste and sawdust from the lumber mills.
Cordage.—The manufacture of cordage is another profitable Philippine industry with the promise of a constant world demand. The islands have all the natural advantages for the extensive development of the industry. Abaca, sisal, and maguey affording strong fibers can be grown in abundance. At present the islands are an exporter of cordage. In 1915, 454,621 kilograms were exported; in 1918 the export rose to 2,209,064 kilograms valued at ₱1,733,968, in 1921 the export 2,631,953 kilos valued at ₱1,099,378. Most of this was exported to British East Indies, Hongkong and the United States.
Paper and paper pulp.—The industry which for some time has interested the Government and private individuals, and for the development of which nothing substantial so far has been accomplished, is the paper and paper pulp industry. There is at present a large demand for paper pulp in America, Europe, and Japan. According to authorities on the subject, the spruce wood, which forms at least two-thirds of all the woods converted into pulp, is being exhausted. Very recently newspapers in the United States gave accounts of plans to develop the forest resources of Alaska to supply paper pulp for the production of paper. The world’s annual paper production is about 8,000,000 tons, and it is estimated that for every ten years there is an increase in demand amounting to 25 per cent.