Laguna mulls improving bamboo industry

MANILA, Philippines — Laguna is planning to expand the local bamboo industry, which is expected to generate over P100 million in annual revenues.

The provincial government is working on maximizing the potential of its bamboo resources by strengthening its partnership with the Department of Science and Technology, and passing an ordinance institutionalizing the industry.

“The ordinance aims to help the industry from the grassroots level identify areas where to plant bamboo, provide training, facilitate technology transfer and pique the interest of the youth,” Laguna board member Karla Monica Adajar-Lajara said on the sidelines of Bamboo Day at the provincial capitol on Tuesday.

The province’s Bamboo Industry Development Council is planning to boost the processing of bamboo furniture such as sala sets and beds in Majayjay, Paete and Sta. Cruz as well as handicrafts in the cities of Calamba, Los Baños and San Pablo, and in the towns of Mabitac, Magdalena and Victoria.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan launched its 10-year bamboo development plan, which was crafted with the help of over 20 stakeholders.

For the next four years or until 2029, Laguna aims to shore up funding for research and development of bamboo, capacitate producers and processors, and provide incentives to encourage businesses in using sustainable and innovative technologies.

By the first three years of the next decade, the province plans to set up strategic bamboo nurseries and plantations and provide a venue for enterprises to expand their operations.