Lawmaker eyes more bamboo farms

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet - Representative Ronald Cosalan is keen on adding more bamboo nurseries throughout the province.

Cosalan said the program is in coordination with bamboo advocate Ed Manda aimed to set up nurseries in Tublay, Alno and Shilan towns.

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The bamboo nursery in Tublay is now filled with newly planted bamboo, aimed to prevent flooding and landslides.

Cosalan said he will enjoin companies to shift programs to support the bamboo advocacy. "I will ask Philex, Lepanto and SN Aboitoz to set up their own nurseries."

Cosalan has allotted funding from his priority development assistance fund (PDAF) to make the project a reality in the province.

Studies from the Benguet State University College of Forestry reveal the proliferation of bamboo plants would deter erosion preventing damage and death.

Bamboo varieties, like Chinese and American, abound in the province.

Cosalan said the project is also in coordination with the Department of Agrarian Reform to expand nurseries also in Sablan.

Last year, a Bamboo Techno-Forum and Industry Exposition were exhibited in the state university.

The activity featured various products from bamboo and the e-bamboo technology used in manufacturing the DepEd bamboo desk.