By Michelle Ducut
In a bid to develop the bamboo industry and promote sustainable agriculture, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) held its inaugural Bamboo Forum on December 5, 2024, at the Amici Resort Hotel in Laoag City.
The event, organized by the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Office and the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), received support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Philippine Textile Institute, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), CSFirst Green Agri-Industrial Development, Inc., and the Office of the 1st District Representative of Bukidnon.
The forum brought together key stakeholders to address innovations, opportunities, and challenges in the bamboo industry, positioning it as a “sustainable resource capable of driving economic growth and environmental conservation” in Ilocos Norte.
Governor Matthew Manotoc underscored bamboo’s vast potential in his opening remarks. “I am very hopeful dito po sa bamboo industry natin. We have the raw materials, it’s just a matter of commercializing. Sa akin lang, responsibilidad ng gobyerno na talagang maghanap ng paraan at makapagbigay ng hanapbuhay sa ating mga kakailian,” he said.
Key discussions during the forum tackled the current state of the bamboo industry in the Philippines, marketing strategies, production techniques, and innovative technologies for expanding its applications.
The MSMEO and PAO reaffirmed their commitment to providing technical support and facilitating the expansion of bamboo plantations across the province. They highlighted the industry’s role in boosting rural livelihoods while addressing environmental concerns.
The Bamboo Forum forms part of the provincial government’s strategy to foster industries that balance economic opportunities with sustainable development.