The Bataan Bamboo Industry Development Council conducted a study visit in the province of Tarlac, specifically the Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) and the Mayantoc Bamboo Eco-Tourism Park.

According to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Nelin Cabahug, the benchmarking activity seeks to enable the province’s micro, small, and medium enterprises as well as bamboo growers.

“This will help key players in Bataan replicate TAU’s projects under the Shared Service Facility (SSF) program of DTI such as bambusetum, bamboo hub, and bamboo manufactured products,” Cabahug added.

SSF on Engineered Bamboo Officer-in-Charge Mark Augustine Ferrer said TAU can help Tarlac and Central Luzon boost the bamboo industry by sharing best practices in terms of bamboo propagation, establishing bamboo plantation, and operating engineered bamboo production.

“We cannot say that TAU is already an expert in terms of bamboo growing and production but we can help capacitate other provinces and universities through our existing programs on propagation, plantation, and production,” Ferrer added.

So far TAU’s bambusetum has a total of 42 species of ornamental and commercial bamboo. It has established a 665-hectare bamboo plantation, and developed different engineered bamboo products such as lamps and laptop stands. (PIA 3)