Indigenous Peoples members of Pandan Ati Farmers Fishermen Association undergo training on bamboo handicrafts through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) skills training in Barangay Pandan, Santa Fe, Romblon. (Photo courtesy of Paul Jaysent Fos/PIA Romblon)
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Mimaropa conducted a five-day skills training for 25 members of Pandan Ati Farmers Fishermen Association in Brgy. Pandan, Santa Fe, Romblon.
The training aims to improve the knowledge of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) on bamboo handicrafts, which is one of the natural resources of livelihood in Sta. Fe.
According to the Tourism Office of Sta. Fe, this initiative will help the municipality to reach its desired agri-tourism through the production of handicrafts.
Bamboo, a versatile and sustainable crop, has been gaining popularity in recent years. Not only is it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional building materials, but it also has numerous uses in furniture making, handicrafts, and even food production.
In the Philippines, bamboo farming is becoming increasingly popular due to its high yield potential and low maintenance requirements.
In 2018, Former President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 879 creating the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) which aims to promote the research and development of bamboo products while also providing financial assistance to small-scale farmers. (GATS/PIA Mimaropa)
Topmost photo courtesy of PIA XI/Jeanevive Abangan
