TACLOBAN CITY — The provincial government of Samar is stepping up efforts to develop its bamboo industry after a delegation completed an intensive 10-day bamboo bootcamp in Davao City, equipping participants with technical skills to support sustainable resource management and livelihood programs.
The Samar delegation, led by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Office (PENRMO) head Wilfredo Lacambra, included eight participants composed of engineers, architects, and PENRMO personnel. They joined other trainees from across the country in a comprehensive program focused on bamboo innovation and sustainable practices.
During the bootcamp, participants underwent hands-on training in bamboo propagation, species identification, proper harvesting methods, treatment techniques, and construction applications. The training emphasized the importance of selecting the right bamboo species, determining optimal harvesting age, and applying proper treatment processes to ensure durability for housing and structural use.
Organizers also highlighted bamboo’s potential as a strong and sustainable construction material, challenging the long-held perception of it as merely a “poor man’s timber.”
Lacambra underscored the role of bamboo in addressing community needs, particularly in providing affordable housing and creating livelihood opportunities.
The provincial government said the knowledge gained from the training will be cascaded to local communities and people’s organizations through re-echo sessions and technical assistance, with the aim of improving bamboo cultivation and utilization across Samar.
At present, more than 1,500 hectares of bamboo plantations have been established in 10 local government units in the province. Key planting sites include barangays Mabini, Loog, Catadman, and Rawis in Basey town, as well as areas in San Jorge and Catbalogan City.
The province primarily cultivates Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) and Iron Bamboo (Guadua angustifolia), which are now in their fourth year of growth and are expected to reach harvest maturity by the fifth year—opening opportunities for bamboo-based industries.
The initiative builds on earlier efforts of the provincial government to institutionalize the bamboo sector through partnerships with academic institutions and innovation centers.
Provincial officials said the program supports the development agenda of Governor Sharee Ann Tan, which prioritizes environmental protection, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth through sustainable resource management.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
