In celebration of the World Bamboo Day today, various agencies in Quirino collaborated in a unique event that allowed the employees to learn about bamboo, plant together, and enjoy food innovations from bamboo shoots.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Quirino State University (QSU), the celebration was held in support of the National Simultaneous Bamboo Planting initiative, themed “Buhay-Kawayan: Haligi ng Industriya’t Kalikasan, Pag-asa ng Kinabukasan.”
During the event, Dr. Elizabeth T. Carig (Vice President for Academics, Research, and Extension) expressed her gratitude for the presence of numerous agencies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in environmental restoration efforts. She explained that QSU advocates for the cultivation of bamboo due to its environmental and economic benefits, not only for the university but also for the communities. In fact, the Bambusari Eco Park now has 17 species of bamboo, utilized for research and learning purposes.
Representing Hon. Dakila Carlo E. Cua (Governor), Hon. Julius Ceasar Vaquilar (Vice Governor) encouraged the people, especially students, to plant trees, emphasizing the sense of ownership and environmental responsibility it fosters. Sharing a trivia about the health benefits of bamboo plants, Mr. Elmor Villaruel (Executive Assistant to the Governor) expressed his delight over seeing many people who are “lovers of bamboo.” He encouraged everyone to plant more bamboo trees and provided a preview of the Provincial Government’s plan on establishing bamboo sites to promote eco-tourism in the province.
Moreover, Ms. Ma. Sofia G. Narag, CESO V (DTI Regional Director), commended the resilience of Quirino and its people. Despite the unfavorable weather condition, she was pleased that the event resumed and encouraged everyone to support the bamboo industry through planting. She emphasized the long-term benefits of bamboo cultivation and said, “The bamboo we plant today will help us tomorrow.”
Surprising the attendees, the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM) hosted a grazing bar at the CHTM Cafeteria, showcasing a variety of innovative bamboo shoot-based dishes prepared by faculty members. Known as ‘Professor Rabong,’ Dr. Jonathan N. Tariga and his team shared how bamboo can be transformed into various culinary delights, highlighting his 18 innovations registered as utility models at the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
Prepared with the help of Mr. Bernard Allan Milla and Mr. Jonathan Pablo, some of the featured bamboo food products included Bamboo Shoot Tarts, Baguettes, Cupcakes, Pan de Rabong, BambooDobo, Guinataan, Bamboo Kimchi, Bamboo Chips, and many others. Mr. Jefferson Curammeng, Ms. Nida Quitan, and Ms. France Tacadena were among the innovators of the products. Recently, the same group co-organized the First Bamboolicious Culinary Competition with the Provincial Government which introduced bamboo shoot dishes, marking the culinary history of the province.
Participating agencies included: the Provincial Government of Quirino, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office (PNREO), Department of Education (DepEd SDO Quirino), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Tourism (DOT), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Oceana Gold Philippines, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI- Regional and Provincial Office), three campuses of Quirino State University, among others.
The celebration concluded with cordial moments shared over coffee and bamboo shoot treats.
|QIO with President Hermenegildo F. Samoy, Jr.
