THE provincial government of North Cotabato is pushing for the production of engineered bamboo furniture, which could be the next local product that could 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 deliver passengers and his other bamboo-made products around town. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
This came after the inauguration of the first bamboo hub center in the province located in the municipality of President Roxas.
Michael Mayo, Department of Science and Technology (DoST) provincial director in North Cotabato, said the strengthening of the production of engineered bamboo furniture is seen to improve the socioeconomic development in the province and help in providing the solution for climate change.
Mayo added that the DoST-Cotabato will extend support to the engineered bamboo hub center in President Roxas.
He also said that aside from the fundamental technologies necessary for the production of bamboo furniture, DoST will also provide additional help by conducting technology training and consultancy services.
Meanwhile, the DoST-Cotabato conducted a four-day training for engineered bamboo production for members of the Green Workers Corp., a local organization.
Participants in the training were taught the proper ways of bamboo treatment, drying, quality sanding, binding and polishing of raw materials.
Also taught during the training was the exhibition of desired outputs for the production such as bamboo tables, chairs, bags and baskets, among others.
Mayo hopes that strengthening the production of engineered bamboo furniture will help increase the income of local bamboo farmers and will provide additional jobs to the local community.
To further boost the advocacy, DoST is in cooperation with other government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Mindanao Development Authority, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.