TACLOBAN CITY — Government and partner institutions in Borongan City have finalized a development roadmap aimed at strengthening the local bamboo industry following a three-day Bamboo Industry Development Roadmap Writeshop held from November 19 to 21 at Boro Bay Hotel.
The activity was jointly organized by the Department of Trade and Industry–Eastern Samar, Eastern Samar State University, and the Borongan City Environment and Natural Resources Office. Participants included officials from the Borongan City LGU and collaborating agencies.
Workshop sessions focused on planning tools such as situational analysis, stakeholder analysis, SWOT analysis, and action planning, covering the full supply chain from bamboo production to market development.
Sessions on budgeting and LGU plan integration ensured that strategies would align with the city’s development agenda and funding priorities.
Resource speakers also discussed the ecological and economic value of bamboo.
Felly Cervantes noted bamboo’s contribution to environmental protection, citing its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and help prevent soil erosion and flooding.
Mark William Gonzales described bamboo as the “grass of hope,” referring to its cultural value and livelihood-generating potential.
The writeshop concluded with the crafting of a unified roadmap that positions bamboo as a key component of Borongan’s sustainability, climate resilience, and economic development goals.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
