Basket Village USA
THE North Cotabato provincial government is pushing for the production of engineered bamboo furniture, which could be the next local product that can be sold locally and to international buyers.
This undated photo shows Nestor Yuarata of Poblacion 3 Pigkawayan, North Cotabato, using his sturdy bamboo sidecar to transport passengers and his other bamboo products around town. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
This came after the inauguration of the province’s first bamboo hub center located in President Roxas Municipality.
Michael Mayo, provincial director of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) in North Cotabato, said boosting the production of engineered bamboo furniture is seen as improving the province’s socio-economic development and helping to provide the solution to climate change.
Mayo added that DoST-Cotabato will expand support for President Roxas’ Engineering Bamboo Hub Center.
He also said that in addition to the fundamental technologies required for the production of bamboo furniture, the DoST will also provide additional assistance by arranging technology trainings and consulting services.
Meanwhile, DoST-Cotabato held a four-day training on artificial bamboo production for members of Green Workers Corp., a local organization.
The training participants learned the correct methods of bamboo processing, drying, quality sanding, binding and polishing of raw materials.
Display of desired products for production such as bamboo tables, chairs, bags and baskets, among others, was also taught during the training.
Mayo hopes that boosting the production of engineered bamboo furniture will help increase incomes for local bamboo growers and provide additional jobs for the local community.
To further strengthen advocacy, the DoST cooperates with other government agencies such as the Department of Commerce and Industry, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Mindanao Development Authority, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
