DTI R2 Cagayan, LGU officials explore bamboo innovations through benchmarking session | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines

Bohol & Cebu, Philippines — As part of its first step towards realizing the vision of establishing a bamboo ecological park, bamboosetum, and arboretum, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) R2 Cagayan and the Local Government Unit (LGU) Peñablanca conducted a Bamboo Benchmarking Mission in Bohol and Cebu City, Philippines from 28-30 May 2024.

The mission began in Antequera, Bohol, the Basket Capital of Bohol. Graced by Municipal Mayor Mario Pahang and Councilor Johny Coquinilla, the team explored the town’s rich tradition of basket weaving using bamboo, nito, abaca, buri, and other indigenous materials. They also visited Santos Rosario Bamboo Furniture Handicrafts, a local group of bamboo furniture makers who shared how strong support from the local government and bamboo stakeholders sustains their industry.

Next, the team visited Kaiyanahan Forest Park in Bilar, Bohol, known for its 40 bamboo species spread over the 4-hectare developed area of the 17-hectare property. Ms. Beth Bosdillos, the General Manager, provided insights into the park’s development and its role in advocating for the local bamboo industry. The team also toured The Regenesis Project headquarters in Sagbayan, Bohol, where Architect Marianne Amores-Dutta introduced them to the regenerative development framework applied to restore a 17-hectare piece of land in Carmen, Bohol. This visit highlighted the importance of ecological principles in selecting and planting the right bamboo species. Engr. Raoul Amores also toured the team to his bamboo plantations and nursery which boasts its vast bamboo seedlings and planting materials propagated using bamboo seeds.

After a two-hour ferry ride to Cebu, the team continued their mission in Balamban. They were warmly welcomed by Father Victor Labao, a bamboo advocate and founder of Kabilin Nature and Bamboo Farms. Here, they explored a 7-hectare property featuring 182 bamboo species, a bamboo nursery, plantation, and processing facilities. Father Vic shared valuable guidance on establishing a successful bamboo nursery and plantation, noting similarities between their site and the proposed development in Peñablanca.

The team also met with Asturias, Cebu Vice Mayor and Chairperson of the Cebu Bamboo Industry Development Council, Mr. Benjo Labuca. He emphasized the critical role of LGUs in advancing the bamboo industry through active partnerships and strategic planning. Mr. Labuca highlighted the importance of purposeful bamboo planting as part of a long-term vision benefiting both the community and the environment.

On the last day of the visit, they visited Treehouse de Valentine and Arqo Bamboo Villa in Balamban, Cebu, where the team witnessed innovative bamboo architectural designs. These sites showcased the potential of the domestic bamboo industry through modern bamboo architecture. The team was accompanied by Engr. Archilus Piodos, the designer of the bamboo sites and an active member of the Cebu Bamboo Industry Development Council.

With the learnings and dose of inspiration from the activity, the LGU Peñablanca will keep moving forward as it continue realizing its vision of establishing of bamboo ecological park and bamboosetum – a step in advancing the bamboo industry in the province of Cagayan.

The benchmarking mission team comprised Ms. Cynthia Talattad, Chief of the Business Development Division; Ms. Maricris Galinggana, Provincial PFN and Bamboo Focal Person; Mr. Alex Sibbaluca, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO); and other LGU Department Heads. ♦

Date of release: 03 July 2024

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