CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Provincial Bamboo Development Council (PMDC) led by acting Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao will enjoin the 20 towns and 1 city of the province to participate in a simultaneous planting of bamboo propagules in line with the 1st Bamboo Day Celebration on August 24.
The PMDC composed of representatives from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAMCHAM), PhilExport, Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines-Pampanga Chapter and Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC) agreed that the participation of each town and city, as well as the non-governmental groups, is pivotal in the success of the event.
Series of activities will be organized to showcase the many uses of bamboo, like the bamboo shoots cooking contest and an exhibit of various bamboo products available in the province.DTI Pampanga OIC Elenita Ordonio also vowed the agency’s support for the promising recipes and products to be showcased on the festival. DTI Pampanga will assist in the product development for the winners in the cooking contest.
Furthermore, Guiao has already approved the P1-million budget needed for the launching of the event during the recent conference of the PBDC members.
Currently, the PMDC aims to plant 70,000 bamboo propagules for this year which will cover 120 hectares of land in various areas in the province.
Guiao also stressed the inclusion of bamboo planting in the flood mitigation program of the province. Apparently, planting bamboos near dikes has been proven effective and beneficial in the flood mitigation efforts of the province.
“The Bamboo Day Celebration aims to increase the Kapampangans’ awareness, not only for the bamboo plant’s environmental role but as well as its great potential as an additional source of income for the farmers of the province. Thus, the involvement of each town and city is crucial,” Guiao ended. (Angelique DC. Tuazon, Pampanga PIO)
