Project leaders from the Cordillera State Universities and Colleges (CAR-SUCs) joined bamboo industry stakeholders during the Kapihan with Cordillera State Universities and Colleges, held as part of the 1st Regional Convention on Bamboo Innovation facilitated by Benguet State University in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency-CAR. The Kapihan aimed to provide updates on bamboo development initiatives and exchange insights on their implementation across the region for the media and the public to gain a deeper understanding of the bamboo industry innovation program.

Representing the participating institutions were Nero Paderas of Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST), Victorino Bayed of Kalinga State University (KSU), Ryan Tejada of Ifugao State University (IFSU), Roscinto Ian Lumbres of Benguet State University (BSU), Maria Christina Manicad of Apayao State College (ASC), Brent Greg Gomuad of Mountain Province State University (MPSU), and joining online is CHED-CAR Director, Serafin Ngohayon. Hosted by Jennyline Tabangcura and Redjie Melvic Cawis, the discussion focused on the current status of bamboo projects being implemented in the region, including the number of propagules produced and planted, plantation areas established, and the various products developed from bamboo resources.

The project leaders presented updates on their respective accomplishments and targets, highlighting outputs ranging from bamboo fiber-based products and furniture to tumblers, handicrafts, and other value-added products intended for local and commercial markets. They also shared the propagation methods, planting strategies, and development approaches adopted by their institutions tailored to local conditions and community needs.

Among the initiatives presented during the forum was Kalinga State University’s advocacy of providing every household with at least one or two bamboo propagules to encourage wider community participation in bamboo planting. Meanwhile, Mountain Province State University shared its experience in utilizing riverbanks as bamboo planting sites, demonstrating bamboo’s potential for both resource development and environmental conservation.

The discussion also covered challenges encountered in bamboo production and enterprise development. Participants exchanged insights on mold resistance, commercialization, sustainability of bamboo plantations, stewardship of bamboo resources, and the need for reliable data on production inputs and outputs. Questions from stakeholders further explored strategies for maintaining long-term bamboo resources while increasing their economic value for communities and local industries.

The Kapihan served as an avenue for knowledge sharing among researchers, project implementers, and industry stakeholders, fostering discussions that support the continued development of the bamboo industry in the Cordillera region.//CDDeGuzman

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