GOVERNOR Emilio Macias II urged and encouraged local government units (LGUs) throughout Negros Oriental to "teach or re-educate" the farmers in the planting of bamboo and abaca.

Macias said this is one way of enhancing the province's indigenous industry that is very abundant, adding that it will help produce more supply to meet the demands.

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The governor issued the call on the ongoing holding of Abakawayan exposition in Sidlakan Negros Village in Barangay Piapi, which started last November 18 and will end on Saturday.

Macias added that this might be one way of generating awareness on the importance of natural fiber and bamboo industries that address the projected growing demand in the market.

In support of the governor's call, Negros Oriental Investment and Promotion Center (NOIPC) executive director Francisco Martinez is optimistic that abaca and bamboo industries in the province will grow and develop more, from propagating, planting raw materials to manufacturing and even in marketing.

Bamboo, once looked upon as a lowly plant and called a poor man's timber because of its widespread use in rural constructions, has gained greater importance through the years.

Abaca one of the dollar earning industries in the country, giving an average annual earning of P4.5 billion to the economy, the governor emphasized.

Martinez said that to realize Capitol's objectives, banks are enjoined to participate and take the lead in helping finance the farmers and entrepreneurs in the province in producing the abaca and bamboo products.

Macias gladly expressed the cooperativeness and support of the non-government organizations in the development and promotion of the industry.

"With the establishment of Sidlakan Negros Village Center, manufacturers and entrepreneurs are also grateful that they have a place to display their products" Macias said.

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(November 22, 2008 issue)
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