Loren pushes formore investments in bamboo sector

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BY PRINCE GOLEZ, Manila Reporter
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Thursday, June 22, 2017
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MANILA – Sen. Loren Legarda is pushing for expansion of investments in the bamboo industry.

Legarda lamented the country’s “lack of technical knowledge, promotion, and local research” on bamboo, saying it hampers the growth of the local bamboo sector.

“Bamboo offers a cheaper alternative to hardwood, timber and other raw materials used for furniture or handicraft making,” said the chief of the finance and climate change committees.

The senator advised on the need for the government to invest on research and development, bamboo cultivation, processing and product development to spur growth and gain competitive advantage in global market.

Legarda urged the immediate passage of the proposed Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Act of 2017 seeking to provide opportunities for local employment and make the bamboo industry vibrant and competitive.

Senate Bill No. (SBN) 1478 proposes to create a Philippine Bamboo Industry Development (PBID) Council which shall provide the overall policy and program directions and coordinate the activities of various agencies and instrumentalities to ensure the implementation, accomplishment and periodic review and enhancement of the PBID road map.

The road map, under the bill, puts forward programs and projects specializing in the propagation, development, management and commercialization of bamboo and bamboo products.

A Bamboo Research and Development Center and Local Bamboo Industry Development Councils shall also be established in regions, provinces, cities and municipalities all over the country, it also stated.

“Bamboo plays an important role in climate change mitigation as it absorbs more carbon dioxide and releases more oxygen into the atmosphere than trees,” Legarda said.

In Western Visayas, around 779,600 bamboos will be planted in 3,898 hectares (has.) of land this year.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 chief Jim Sampulna said bamboos will be specifically planted in the following:

* Aklan – 420 has.

* Antique – 650 has.

* Capiz – 1,328 has.

* Iloilo – 1,000 has.

* Guimaras – 500 has.

A bamboo is expected to fully grow at least in two to four years. (With PNA/PN)

 

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