CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga (PIA) – The Kalinga Provincial Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) is partnering with the Philippine Bamboo Foundation, Inc. (PBFI) to develop the bamboo industry in the province.
Bamboo is recognized for its rapid growth rate, versatility, and eco-friendly nature making it a focus for sustainable development, and economic opportunities.
Gov. James Edduba organized the PBIDC in 2022 to promote the development of the sector in Kalinga.
In a recent meeting, PBFI president Edgardo Manda shared that the PBFI has been helping local government units and indigenous communities grow bamboo as a means of livelihood and for environmental protection.
“The problem is raw material. Kulang po tayo ng kawayan. [We don't have enough bamboo.] The reason why we are moving around the Philippines is to do this type of education campaign and be part of this emerging industry para mag-benefit naman ang ating mga probinsyang may mga kawayan,” Manda said.
The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office reported cultivating 294 hectares of bamboo plantations from 2017 to 2023 while the Tabuk City Environment and Natural Resources Office has distributed and planted a total of 46,156 bamboo seedlings across 228 hectares.
