The office of the National Industry Cluster Council (NICC) for Bamboo, Department of Trade and Industry Region 2 (DTI R2), launched the Philippine Bamboo Month Virtual Opening Program successfully on 09 September 2022 via Zoom.
Gathering a total of 249 attendees from DTI regional and provincial offices, regional line agencies, LGUs, regional and provincial bamboo councils, bamboo farmers, civil society groups, the academe, and bamboo stakeholders and personalities, the virtual kick-off program seamlessly and joyously celebrated the thriving bamboo community.
In her welcome remarks, RD Leah Pulido Ocampo, the head of DTI R2—NICC for Bamboo, mentioned the exciting line-up of activities for the celebration and encouraged everyone to discover the wonders of bamboo as an economic and environmental resource, as well as celebrate the blazing future of the bamboo industry. She also thanked all partners involved in bamboo-related initiatives and interventions and expressed hope for the continued success of all bamboo endeavors in the country.
Meanwhile, in his opening message, Dir. Tirso Parian Jr., DENR-Forest Management Bureau, expressed his congratulations and gratitude to the NICC for Bamboo for hosting such a significant event, and assured that DENR-FMB will ensure the delivery of effective protection, development, and conservation of forest lands and watersheds; the formulation and issuance of sound policies for forest management and forest governance; and all DENR-FMB-led activities to uphold the importance of and opportunities in bamboo.
Usec. Blesila Lantayona, Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) Execom Chair and DTI-Regional Operations Group Undersecretary, emphasized how the World Bamboo Day brought the bamboo industry to its elevated exposure, which consequently promoted the propagation of bamboo, ensured its sustainable development and utilization, and encouraged utilization for both its traditional and innovative uses. She urged everyone to collaborate in order to realize the bountiful and progressive bamboo industry.
On the other hand, Fr. Victor Labao, Founder of the Kabilin Nature Farms and Bamboo Center, spoke about Bamboo and Beyond: The Future of Bamboo in the Philippine Bamboo Industry. Fr. Labao enumerated highlights of the bamboo industry’s progress and development over the years, such as innovations in propagation and use of technology, allowing partners to join in advocacy, and so on.
The Kabilin founder also called out those culprits claiming to be bamboo advocates who take advantage of bamboo enthusiasts by selling them underdeveloped planting materials that are practically dead when they reach the said enthusiasts, thereby leaving distasteful impressions about the true goals of bamboo advocacy.
Fr. Labao also shared recommendations on what the industry could possibly take on to achieve its full potential, which includes land use matters, budgeting and investments, more sets of capability training, proper selection and identification of bamboo materials for specific products, further studies and research, and credible inventory, which government agencies can lead on.
Fr. Labao concludes his keynote address by stating that the future is truly bright when both the public and private sectors work harder and are more courageous, creative, daring, and generous.
Furthermore, messages of support were sent by the flourishing bamboo enterprises—the Kawayan Collective, Base Bahay Foundation, CUBO Modular, and Modern Bamboo, as well as bamboo experts and personalities such as Mr. Rene “Butch” Madarang, Ms. Corazon “Coratec” Tecson Jimenez (Philippine Bamboo Society of Advocates, Inc.), Hon. Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano, and Atty. Dulce Punzalan, World Bamboo Ambassador.
The PBIDC-DTI’s Calendar of Activities to watch for the entire month, throughout the country, was also presented. ♦
Date of Release: 20 September 2022
Posted on Facebook on 12 September 2022
