By Marisol Bo-oc | 09:34 PM September 19, 2022
The Bohol Bamboo Expo2 of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) was opened on Monday in a mall in Tagbilaran City.
The event was graced by Metodio John Maraguinot Jr., executive assistant of the provincial government of Bohol who represented Governor Aris Aumentado; Forester Ariel Rica, PENRO Bohol and Chairman of the Bohol Bamboo Council; and John Geesnell “Baba” Yap, chief of staff of Tagbilaran City Hall who represented Mayor Jane Censoria Yap.
In her opening message, DTI-Bohol Provincial Director Maria Soledad Balistoy encouraged the stakeholders to strengthen the bamboo industry of Bohol and support the micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
“Let’s work together, formulate development strategies, continue handholding our MSMEs until they get to the peak of their MSME ladder and are ready to be weaned. This may be a tall order for all of us but we have no way to go but do it,” Balistoy said.
Maraguinot delivered the governor’s message of support for the event and the provincial government’s plans and initiatives to strengthen the agricultural sector that can help bamboo farmers and processors.
Yap also relayed the same message from city mayor and assured everyone of their continued partnership and support to any program for this sector.
Rica talked about the development of the bamboo industry of Bohol and the opportunities that can be derived from bamboo although not limited to its commercial and architectural use.
A video presentation of The Regenesis Project was also presented on screen which also shows the key role of bamboo in its restoration efforts.
Exhibitors for this year’s expo are the following: Antequera Tourist Information & Display Center, Sto. Rosario Bamboo Furniture Makers Association, Bohol Unweave and Raffia Industrial Crafts, Canlaas Women Workers Association, Guio-ang ARC Beneficiaries Cooperative, Kawayan Collective, Kina-iyahan Forest Park, Inc., Let’s Go Natural Souvenir Shop, Mara & Aram Baglines, Sta. Catalina, Sagbayan Agrarian Reform Beneficiary MPC, Barangay Sto. Rosario, Antequera, Nieves Bamboo Craft, and the Regenisis Project.
The expo which showcases different varieties of bamboo and its applications in products and architectural designs will run from September 19-23, 2022.
