The Department of Agriculture Western Visayas joined the bamboo planting activity at the watershed area in Maasin, Iloilo recently in observance of the World Bamboo Day on Sept. 18.
This year’s celebration is themed, “Alay ng Bayan sa Inang Kalikasan,” aiming to build awareness, emphasize the need for bamboo plants, and promote bamboo cultivation for future uses and economic growth.
During the activity, government agencies such as DA, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) participated in the initiative spearheaded by the DENR and Visayas Bamboo Industry Development Council seeking to intensify the production of bamboo in the region.
Meanwhile, in support of the intensified promotion of the bamboo industry, the DA-WV, through the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), has distributed 12,500 bamboo seedlings and established five bamboo nurseries in Sibalom and Patnongon in Antique; Ibajay, Aklan; Miagao, Iloilo; and Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental.
“These projects were funded under the Bayanihan 2 projects to encourage the cultivation and ensure the sustenance of this industry in the region,” said DA-HVCDP regional focal Jonifer Frades.
Earlier this year, the DA declared bamboo a high-value crop and initiated various interventions and activities that include research, processing, value-adding, and provision of funds to advance the industry. (DA-RAFIS 6)