Representatives from the Department of  Trade and Industry (DTI) were recently in Antique promoting bamboo products, calling it an “opportunity” for local farmers and businesses.

“There [is] demand for engineered bamboo and other products needed for construction, restaurants, and other businesses,” explained DTI-Antique senior trade and industry development specialist Engr. Arlene Galopo.

Arch. Joy Martinez-Onozawa, who served as a resource speaker for the recent bamboo investment forum, encouraged farmers to engage themselves in the planting, processing, and production of bamboo.

She said more bamboo should be planted, noting, “1,000 to 2,000 poles per month [would] be a good start.”

Last June, the Department of Labor and Employment-Region VI (DOLE-6) distributed livelihood assistance to 53 bamboo craftspeople from Barangay Buenavista, Murcia.

According to DOLE-6 director, Atty. Johnson Cañete, Murcia is noted for its bamboo and P1 million in assistance will help beneficiaries with future projects./WDJ