CAMARINES SUR – The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Bicol has recently inaugurated a PHP6.2 million bamboo curing facility and nursery in Bula, aiming to significantly improve the productivity and economic prospects of local bamboo growers.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lovella Guarin, DA-Bicol spokesperson, stated in an interview on Friday that the new facility would primarily benefit the Samahang Organisasyong pang Kalikasan (SOK), a local farmers’ group with 84 members. The investment includes PHP4.2 million allocated for the bamboo facility and an additional PHP2 million for equipment. “The bamboo products of the SOK were used as raw materials for fish cages, furniture, bonsai, lampshades, and kubo (nipa huts), which are their major livelihood sources,” Guarin explained.
Eddie D. Bermas, president of SOK, elaborated on the impact of the new equipment on their operations. The introduction of machines is expected to drastically reduce the time required to produce bamboo splits, a key raw material for their products. “Before, for example, we would make bamboo split, it took us a month to finish 1,000 pieces, but now if you just put it through the machine, maybe it will only take a day,” Bermas noted, emphasizing the efficiency gains from mechanization.
The facility is part of a broader initiative to support the bamboo industry in Bula, which is known for its bamboo crafts and furniture. Rodel P. Tornilla, DA-Bicol regional executive director, highlighted bamboo as the ‘One Town, One Product’ for Bula, underscoring its suitability as a raw material for various crafts due to its robust physical characteristics and adaptability to diverse climates.
The local community is optimistic about the potential of this new facility to expand their product range and market reach. Bermas expressed eagerness to continue learning and expanding through support from the DA and other government entities, indicating a forward-looking approach to community and economic development in the region.