DOST: Philippine bamboo products have high acceptability in world market
Dr. Florence P. Soriano, director of the Forest
Products Research and Development Institute,
Department of Science and Technology declares
the acceptability of the Philippines bamboo
products in the world market, during the opening of
Iloilo Kawayan Market week at Robinsons Place,
the other day. Photo also shows DTI VI Director
Dominic Abad, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treņas, Iloilo
Governor Niel Tupas' representative Nielex Tupas,
and First Lady Rosalie S. Treņas, among others.
(T. VIllavert/PIA)
The acceptability of the Philippine bamboo products in the world market appears high as indicated by the upward trend of export and increasing number of country-destinations of Philippine bamboo products.
This was declared by Dr. Florence P. Soriano, director of the Forest Products Research and Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology in yesterday's opening of the 3rd Iloilo Kawayan Market at Robinsons place, Iloilo City where 33 exhibitors are showcasing export quality home furnishings and accessories with bamboo as one of the component material.
The Iloilo Kawayan Market which has become an annual event that started in 2004 aims to promote Iloilo as the "bamboo capital of the Philippines."
Dr. Soriano noted that in August 1996, an international organization sponsored the First National Bamboo Congress where technologies on furniture and handicrafts as well as other applications in constructions and other industrial uses were presented.Ten years after, Soriano said the Ilonggos have demonstrated significant activity in transforming those technical papers for presentations into successful business and livelihood for small and medium enterprises.
She said that Philippine bamboo products are exported in 36 countries including the United States of America, Japan, Spain, France, Australia, Italy and the Netherlands.
The director of forest products research and development institute said that the aesthetic, socio-economic and environmental value of our bamboo products provide a potential area for demand creation and enhanced acceptability.
She emphasized that partnership between the Department of Trade and Industry's One Town One Product (OTOP) and the DOST's Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) must be highlighted and it would be the key to further upgrade the technology so that our production will become more efficient in terms of volume and quality.
Dr. Soriano challenged the Ilonggos to keep the enthusiasm and show the world what Iloilo bamboo plantations and industries have become, to prove that it is truly the bamboo capital of the Philippines.
(T.Villavert/PIA)