In line with the celebration of the Philippine Bamboo Month this September and World Bamboo Day on September 18, 2024, the Quirino Bamboo Industry Development Council (QBIDC) chaired by Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua participated in the Nationwide Simultaneous Bamboo Planting Activity, held at Bambusari, Quirino State University, Diffun, Quirino.
This yearโs activity is hosted by Quirino State University (QSU) headed by Dr. Hermenegildo F. Samoy, Jr. During the kick-off activity, Dr. Elizabeth T. Carig, QSU VP for Academic, Research and Extension, highlighted their initiatives in support of the bamboo industry, to wit: establishment of Bambusari Project; establishment and management of 30 hectares bamboo arboretum; establishment and management of 1.2 kilometer bamboo plantation along Addalam River; and conduct of various research from bamboo propagation and bamboo food products development.
Quirino Acting Governor Jojo Vaquilar encouraged all participants to become advocate by planting and nurturing bamboo and involving the younger generations to do same. Moreover, Mr. Elmor Villaruel, Executive Assistant to the Governor, mentioned the commitment of the Provincial Government of Quirino to expand and sustain the establishment of bamboo nurseries and commercial/industrial scale bamboo plantation of at least 500 hectares.
DTI R2 Regional Director Ma. Sofia G. Narag emphasized the importance of supporting bamboo industry because of its vast potentials. In her message, โAndito po tayong lahat to collaborate, to support the planting of kawayan because the kawayan that we plant today, will support our lives tomorrow”. As the National Coordinator for Bamboo Industry Cluster of DTI, she mentioned of the agencyโs effort to lobby for the enactment of the Philippine Bamboo Development Act.
Officials of the Quirino Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Acting Vice Governor Babylyn Reyes and SK Federation President Hydie Mae Diaz graced the event. Also in attendance were the Provincial Director of DAR-Quirino, Engr. Eunomio Israel, Jr., representatives from the different offices of the Provincial Government of Quirino (i.e. EEO, PNREO, PTO, PDDRMO, PPDO, & QLife) and partner national government agencies in Quirino- PENRO, PIA, DOST, DOLE, TESDA, DILG, DA-QES, PNP, DepEd, PSA, BFP, Tagabantay Outdoor Club, and Oceana Gold supported the activity. Joining the event was DTI R2 Quirino Provincial Director Mary Ann Dy and her team who serve as member and secretariat of QBIDC.