BALANGA CITY, Bataan – 2nd District Representative Enrique “Tet” Garcia, wants to further boost the bamboo propagation program in the province.
Citing the potential of the bamboo program Cong. Tet said bamboo is beneficial and could be easily propagated in the province. “Gusto kong palakasin ‘tong bamboo program natin dahil napakadaling itanim at palakihin ito, wala pang gastos ngunit madaling pagkakitaan ng mga kababayan natin,” Rep. Garcia pointed out.
The congressman also stressed, that bamboo can be easily converted into various crafts which command high prices and are also in demand in the markets. “Madaming paggagamitan ang kayawan, kaya napakadali ring ibenta basta maayos ang gawa,” added Garcia.
Recently, around 230 representatives from national government agencies, local government units, farmers, cooperatives, and entrepreneurs trooped to the nearby Pampanga State Agricultural University for the Regional Bamboo Congress spearheaded by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Carrying the theme “Building Business and Better Environment with Bamboo,” it featured discussions by successful Crafts owners on their experiences and success with bamboo projects. Among the lecturers were Carlos Arida Sr. of Department of Environment and Natural Resources on the National Greening Program who talked about techniques in bamboo propagation, and Department of Science and Technology Forest Product Development Institute Director Romulo Aggangan who dealt on bamboo science and technology.
Also, Philippine Bamboo Foundation President Edgardo Manda discussed uses and export potential of bamboo, while representatives from Landbank and Small Business Corporation on financing program for bamboo-related projects expressed their interest to support the project in terms of soft loan.
“Executive Order 879, series of 2010 stated that concerned agencies shall pool their expertise and set aside resources for the promotion and development of bamboo for the benefit of farmers, propagators, and entrepreneurs,” DTI OIC-Regional Director and Bamboo Council National Coordinator Judith Angeles told attendees.
Dinalupihan town Mayor Gila S. Garcia, president of the Bataan Mayors’ League, had also expressed interest on the rich potential of bamboo programs, noting that the Department of Education is mandated by this Executive Order to procure at least 20% of their classroom desks from the bamboo industry.
