DA supports the bamboo procurement act for sustainable development in Northern Mindanao.

 

MANOLO FORTICH, BUKIDNON – Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Victor Savellano, together with DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, assured its support for the bamboo procurement act during the House of Representative (HREP) – Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Public hearing on August 11, 2023 in Damilag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

According to Bukidnon 1st District Representative Jose Manuel F. Alba, Vice Chairman of the Committee, said this venue serves as a consultation regarding a measure entitled an act mandating government agencies to allot at least five percent (5%) of their budget for furniture and fixtures by 2030 using engineered bamboo and other bamboo-based products.

Usec. Savellano expressed his gratitude for the development that can improve people’s lives by providing them with additional income, particularly farmers.

“Ang makikinabang din nito ay ang farmers natin, we just have to teach them on how to propagate, teach them the treatment side. Kasi kung titingnan natin sa mga farm or sa backyard natin, yung mga vegetables na kinakain natin, hindi yan makakatayo kung walang kawayan na sumusuporta, yung mga kinakain nating isda, kung walang gagamitin na katig yung mga mangingisda, di makakarating sa pinagkukunan niya, so kailangan pagtulongan natin,” he conveyed.

Likewise, the meeting focused on using engineered bamboo as an alternative to hardwood for its sustainability and socio-economic impact in the community.

Meanwhie, Dir. Collado extended his support for the draft bill in support of the bamboo development of the country.

“To the 5% allocation of our budget, we are very much willing to support not only the minimum, but we can even support more than 5% through our High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP). We will also encourage our Local Government Units (LGUs) and local farmers to venture into the bamboo industry; in fact, we will be buying bamboo seedlings as a gesture of support to the bamboo development,” Collado said.

Also extending their support are the government agencies coming from the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) Executive Director Rene Madarang; Department of Science and Technology, Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), Deputy Director Dr. Rico J. Cabangon; Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region X (DENR X), Regional Executive Director Henry A. Adornado, PhD; National Economic and Development Authority 10 (NEDA 10), Assistant Regional Director Leonila G. Cajarte; and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bukidnon Provincial Director, Famelah Racquel Villanueva.

From the LGUs are Sumilao Mayor Jose Antonio A. Villo, Manolo Fortich Mayor Rogelio N. Quino, Talakag Mayor Vergito Factura, Baungon Mayor Rogelio D. Jaraula, Iligan City Mayor Frederick W. Siao, and Bukidnon Vice Governor Clive D. Quino.

Furthermore, the group also visited Rizome Philippines in Cugman, Cagayan de Oro, where Russell Smith showcased bamboo-based construction materials, including bamboo poles, boards, furniture and fixtures, handicrafts and artworks, and other bamboo products.

Also present during the activity are Xandrix L. Jadman, General Manager of Del Monte Philippines, Employees Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative; Robert Palomares, Home Business Craft; Edgardo C. Manda, Philippine Bamboo Foundation; Lilian Valencia, Bamboo Center of the Iligan Institute of Technology; Cindy Evangelista-Aritrangco Bambuhay; Atty. Olive Owen Garcia, Ultrawoods; Atty. Calvin Patrick Domingo, Chief of Staff, Philippine House of Representatives; Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba, Former 1st District Bukidnon Representative; and Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, Vice Chair of the Committee SDG, 3rd District of Leyte.#(RDMElloren)