DTI-6 pours in P18.5M for bamboo industry dev’t in WV

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-6 has allotted over P18 million to ensure sustainable utilization and promotion of bamboo for new industries.

The assistance came in form of trainings on product development and provision of modern machineries and equipment to augment production of micro-entrepreneurs, through DTI’s Shared Service Facilities Program.

“Aside from providing them access to trainings, and facilities and equipment, we likewise promote the traditional uses of bamboo locally for community economic development,” said DTI-6 Regional Industry Cluster Coordinator Mercedes A. Young.

Young, who is also the Provincial Director of DTI Antique Provincial Office, underscored the adequate supply of bamboo in the region.

“We need to develop our products and come up with innovations to enhance the industry,” she added.

Recently, the Antique Provincial Office held a convergence meeting for the development of the Antique Bamboo Industry.

The online seminar was in collaboration with the Office of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, Antique’s Lone District Representative.

University of Antique President Dr. Pablo Crespo proposed for the establishment of bamboo research and development, utilization and production facilities. The project has two components – clonal laboratory and nursery; and bamboo crafts and furniture facility.

The project shall be funded under the SSF Program amounting to around P18M.

DTI-6 Rebecca M. Rascon and Asst. Regional Director Ermelinda P. Pollentes attended the online session together with Director Young, and representatives from the University of Antique, Philippine Bamboo Foundation, DOST, DENR, and DTI, among others.

The global bamboo community celebrated the World Bamboo Day on Sept. 18. This year’s theme is “Kawayan: Tugon sa Hamon ng Panahon”

DTI-6 conducted a webinar training on bamboo propagation as part of the celebration.

It was attended by bamboo farmers, bamboo processors/ manufacturers and representatives from local government units from the Provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo and Negros Occidental with a total of 66 participants.

Also, the DTI Iloilo Provincial Office and the University of the Philippines in the Visayas – School of Technology planted bamboo saplings in Miag-ao Campus and conducted a training on Bamboo Straw Production.