PGIN leads push for bamboo industry development 

In a collaborative effort to strengthen the bamboo industry and promote sustainable agricultural practices, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte successfully hosted the first-ever Bamboo Forum on December 5, 2024, at the Amici Resort Hotel, Laoag City.

The event was organized by the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Office and the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Philippine Textile Institute, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), CSFirst Green Agri-industrial Development, Inc., and the Office of the 1st District Representative of Bukidnon.

The forum brought together key stakeholders to discuss innovations, opportunities, and challenges in the bamboo industry, with the provincial government positioning bamboo as a sustainable resource to drive economic growth and enhance agriculture in Ilocos Norte.

Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, in his opening message, emphasized the potential of bamboo as a sustainable resource that can drive economic growth and environmental conservation. “I am very hopeful dito po sa bamboo industry natin. We have the raw materials, it’s just a matter of commercializing. Sa akin lang, responsibilidad ng gobyerno na talagang maghanap ng paraan at makapagbigay ng hanapbuhay sa ating mga kakailian,” he said.

Moreover, throughout the forum, discussions focused on various critical topics, including the current state of the bamboo industry in the Philippines, marketing strategies, production development, innovative bamboo technologies, and opportunities for expanding its utilization. 

In addition, MSMEO and PAO reaffirmed their commitment to providing technical support and expanding bamboo plantations across Ilocos Norte, recognizing the industry’s crucial role in improving rural livelihoods and promoting sustainable development.

The Bamboo Forum is a vital part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to invest in industries that not only create long-term economic opportunities but also address environmental challenges. This initiative reflects Ilocos Norte’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability.