The 3rd TarlaKauayan Festival officially opened Thursday at Bulwagang Kanlahi, Diwa ng Tarlac, bringing together government agencies, academe, industry partners, and bamboo advocates to promote the province’s growing bamboo industry.
This year’s celebration carries the theme “KAWAYANIHAN: Masaganang Kabuhayan at Mayabong na Likas-Kawayan tungo sa Luntiang Kinabukasan,” highlighting bamboo’s potential to support sustainable livelihoods while contributing to environmental protection.
The festival is being held in observance of Philippine Bamboo Month and World Bamboo Day and was spearheaded by the Tarlac Provincial Bamboo Industry Development Council (TPBIDC) under the leadership of Governor Christian Yap.
Vice Governor Lita Aquino joined the opening ceremony alongside key officials and partners, including TPBIDC Co-Chair Florencia A. Balilo, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., DOST-3 Regional Director Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, Tarlac Agricultural University President Dr. Silverio Ramon DC. Salunson, and DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) Director Dr. Rico J. Cabangon.
Regional directors, local agency heads, and representatives from TAU, TESDA, DTI, DENR, DepEd, DOLE, PCCI, and UAP also took part in the opening activities.
Among the highlights of the first day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between DOST-FPRDI and TPBIDC, strengthening collaboration in advancing bamboo development and technology in the province.
The opening program also featured bamboo technology demonstrations and presentations, showcasing innovations and applications that could further support the local bamboo sector.
The two-day festival also features a Bamboo Summit, technical discussions, and a Bamboo Exhibit and Trade Fair, providing a venue for knowledge exchange, technology promotion, networking, and market opportunities for bamboo stakeholders.
Through these activities, the TarlaKauayan Festival seeks to help expand Tarlac’s bamboo industry while promoting sustainable economic opportunities and responsible environmental stewardship.
