Sunday, November 23, 2008 Lands for bamboos sought
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Fourth district Board Member Ricardo Yabut has asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to declare 10 percent of the lands for annual reforestation to be used for bamboo propagation and plantation.
In his resolution, Yabut said that in order for the Pampanga Bamboo Development Council (PBDC) to meet its goal of promoting and propagating bamboo utilization and commercialization to help boost the local economy, the council would need at least 10 percent of the total lands that are set to be reforested by the DENR under its reforestation program.
"The PB (Provincial Board), being an active member of the PBDC and in due consideration of its own advocacy for environmental protection, requests the DENR to allocate portions of its reforestation program solely for bamboo plantations," Yabut told Sun.Star.
He explained that such measure would greatly help the province's bamboo program.
Established on January 12 of this year, the PBDC is composed of multi-sectoral groups, including the members of the PB.
Its main thrust is to propagate and promote bamboo production, utilization and commercialization as a way of providing livelihood to farmers, community settlers and small and medium entrepreneurs in Pampanga.
Bamboo is considered as the abundant raw material in producing furniture and handicrafts. With the right technology and government support, bamboo could be utilized as flooring, paper and even cloth, according to the council.
Board Member Yabut said that aside from the economic value of bamboo, the PBDC is also promoting bamboo production as part of the province's commitment to fight global warming.
Bamboo is considered as one of the top sequesters of carbon dioxide taking away as much as 12 tons from the air per hectare plantation. The PBDC also campaigns for the utilization of bamboo in fighting soil erosion and as protective plant reinforcements along Pampanga River systems.
"The bamboo program also fosters social responsibility among people through positive public relations and education," Yabut stressed.
The local lawmaker said that to give the bamboo program the needed boost the land allocation should be considered immediately by all sectors concerned.
The resolution filed by Yabut is set to be forwarded to the appropriate committee. (IOF)
(November 23, 2008 issue) Write letter to the editor. Click here.
