ILOILO – Farmers here are being urged to consider bamboo cultivation.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has highlighted its growing demand, particularly in the construction sector.
DTI Supervising Trade Industry Development Specialist Engr. Jonathan Tejida explained that the rise in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) involved in producing traditional “bahay kubo” homes has contributed to the increasing need for bamboo.
“The industry is thriving. It’s not fading but progressing, thanks to the ongoing support from the government and local communities,” Tejida emphasized during a media briefing.
According to recent data from the Municipality of Maasin, Iloilo, there are about 3,900 hectares of bamboo plantations spread across various locations.
In the first half of this year alone, the municipality supplied around 19,000 bamboo poles.
To better understand the current state of the bamboo industry in the province, the DTI plans to conduct an inventory in Iloilo.
Last month, DTI hosted a bamboo tree-planting activity in Alimodian town.
Also, bamboo products were featured during the second day of the Artesanias de Iloilo event, where bamboo-weaving demonstrations, bamboo product competitions, and food tastings featuring bamboo shoots took place.
In August, the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) Center of Iloilo province organized a three-day Bamboo Craft Enhancement Training for members of the Maasin Bamboo Association in Barangay Tubang, Maasin.
To further support the industry, the DTI has also approved two shared service facilities in Maasin to help enhance bamboo handicraft production. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency)/PN
