In Negros Oriental, the fast expanding bamboo business is offering farmers–particularly those in the agro-forestry sector–alternative regenerative solutions with unrealized potential just waiting to be realized, according to a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) official.
Per Jose Julio Somido, the senior trade and industry development specialist of DTI-Negros Oriental, there is a need for appropriate training, education, and skill development as many people are still unaware of the economic benefits of bamboo.
Raising public awareness on the burgeoning bamboo industry
Negros Oriental contains 650 hectares of bamboo, of which 150 hectares are planted and will be grown between 2021 and 2023 as part of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR) National Greening Project, Somido said.
To boost the province's output of bamboo, the business sector and local government units (LGUs) like those in Canlaon City, Bayawan, Bacong, Dauin, and Bindoy are actively engaged in bamboo planting, according to Somido.
According to Somido, advocacy is crucial and that the DTI's responsibility in the bamboo sector is to give bamboo farmers information, education, training, and referrals.
A minimum of 80 micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) received information, referrals, and consulting services from DTI.
Jobs and economic significance
In recent years, the bamboo business has created 750 jobs directly or indirectly for growers, dealers, and processors in Negros.
Province-wide, Somido estimated that 25,000 to 30,000 poles are harvested each year.
The Department of Agriculture, the Department of Agrarian Reform, the business sector, and other partner agencies offered training sessions.
Bamboo farmers in Bayawan City, Amlan, and Manjuyod have benefited from DTI-Negros Oriental's Shared Services Facilities program. They acquired modest tools and equipment for processing, like cut-off saws, power planers, circular saws, and pneumatic nail guns for furniture.
