SAN JOSE, Antique – Farmers in Antique are encouraged to plant bamboos to earn extra income.
Bamboos have a “vast potential” in the world market, according to Architect Joy Martinez Onozawa.
Onozawa was the resource speaker in the Bamboo Investment Forum held at the Adelaide Inn in this capital town on Friday.
“The three- to four-year-old bamboo has a strength like that of narra,” Onozawa said.
She added that it only takes commitment to grow bamboos.
Antique Board member Rosie Dimamay, chairwoman of the committee on trade and industry, said bamboo is abundant in the province but is often being taken for granted.
The northern towns of Tibiao, Barbaza and Culasi are areas where bamboos thrive, she added.
“This will open an industry for farmers, sugar migrants and laborers for they could learn the bamboo technology being an important economic resource,” Dimamay said.
There are 54 farmers and two associations engaged in bamboo production in the province, according to the Department of Trade and Industry. (With PNA/PN)
