By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Former Negros Occidental Governor Rafael Coscolluela, who currently serves as a provincial consultant, yesterday revealed he is promoting the local bamboo industry.

During a press conference, Coscolluela said, with the abundant supply of bamboo in Negros, it was developed by the provincial government as part of its diversification program.

The former governor said the program is also being supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which provided the equipment; and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which provided technical support.

“Much of the funding has been taken from the provincial development fund,” Coscolluela said.

As part of the ongoing Panaad sa Negros Festival Bamboo Fair, the provincial government constructed several structures inside the Panaad Park and Stadium all made of bamboo in order to promote its use as possible construction, handicraft, marine, and furniture material.

Coscolluela said, unlike trees, which could take years to grow, bamboo is a much more sustainable resource as it grows at a rate of 36 inches within a 24-hour period.

He also said bamboo is a much more resilient material against termites and other pests if given proper treatment before either making it into furniture or as a primary building material.

Among the current exhibits include bamboo bikes, furniture, and fixtures.

A seminar is also being conducted at the fair, teaching bamboo farmers how to properly breed and harvest the resource.

He added, bamboo will eventually compete against wood.

During last year’s festival, the Bamboo Innovation Centre presented equipment for bamboo processing, showcased different species and varieties of bamboo, and featured bamboo products and handicrafts./DGB, WDJ