DTI Launches Bamboo Facility to Boost Maasin Economy

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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has strengthened the bamboo industry of Maasin, Iloilo with the installation of a Shared Service Facility (SSF) aimed at expanding local production, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable development.

Delivered in partnership with the Maasin Local Government Unit on June 4, 2025, the facility includes ten specialized machines tailored for bamboo processing.

Among the equipment are two electric portable pole cutters, a bamboo splitter, two bench drills, an air compressor with spray gun, two portable belt sanders with additional sanding grit, a miter saw, and a steel working table outfitted with tools.

The machinery is expected to boost the capacity of local bamboo associations, helping improve product quality, raise output, and increase competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

DTI officials said the initiative goes beyond mere technology support, aiming to generate employment, promote the use of renewable bamboo materials, and open new revenue streams for the region.

“This project represents a concrete step toward inclusive growth by enabling rural enterprises to tap into sustainable resources and value-added markets,” a DTI representative noted.

The official turnover and launching of the facility will take place on June 27, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in Maasin’s bamboo development roadmap.

The event will underscore the national government’s continued support for grassroots industries and its commitment to localized economic resilience.

Maasin is known for its abundant bamboo resources and traditional craftsmanship, and with improved processing technology, it is poised to become a competitive player in the growing green economy sector.

The Philippine bamboo industry has been identified by the government as a priority sector under the “One Town, One Product” (OTOP) program due to its high potential for job generation and export growth.