SAN JOSE, Antique, Sept. 14 (PIA)  --  The Department of  Trade and Industry (DTI) is optimistic that the bamboo industry in the province could generate more jobs and income for the bamboo-growing communities.

Engr. Arlene Galopo, DTI- Antique Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist, cited opportunities for farmers, businesses and Antiquenos in general when the bamboo industry goes full swing.

“Bamboo poles and furniture are among the products sold in the local market, however, there are demands for engineered bamboo and other products needed for construction, restaurants and other businesses,” she said.

DTI assured the farmers that there will be Shared Service Facilities (SSF) for bamboo products that will help them improved their quality. On the pipeline is the SSF for bamboo in Sibalom with the municipal government taking the lead for the Sibalom Bamboo Crafters Association and another SSF is coming for the town of Tobias Fornier.

Architect Joy Martinez-Onozawa, resource speaker during the bamboo investment forum here encouraged farmers to engage in the chain of the bamboo industry as it offers a lot of opportunities from planting to processing and production of various materials and goods.

Onozawa assured that marketing of bamboo products will not be a problem. A number of companies are looking for quality materials for construction, furniture, restaurants, and agricultural implements, among other uses of bamboo.

“As long as the bamboos are treated properly and passed the quality standards, there will be huge market,” she said. However, she emphasized that it takes commitment, dedication and community participation to make the industry grow.

She encouraged the farmers to plant more bamboos for export noting that the Philippines is lagging behind other countries in terms of supply brought to the world market. She noted that 1,000- 2,000 poles per month will be a good start.

During the forum she provided an orientation to the farmers on how to grow, harvest and treat bamboo making it quality material for many uses.

Mary Angeline Cortes of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) also expressed support to the bamboo farmers stating that ECCP has market linkages for their products.

SP Member Rosie Dimamay and SB Member Danilo Nebit of San Jose likewise assured the support of the local government units to the endeavors of these farmers. (LTP/PSM/PIA-Antique)

Article was originally posted on September 14, 2018 at the Philippine Information Agency online