The 1st Provincial Bamboo Fair that showcases efforts to revitalize the bamboo industry in Negros Occidental was launched at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central activity center in Bacolod City Monday, September 26, and will run until Friday.
“The launching of the fair is proof of our commitment through the Provincial Integrated Water Security Program to improve our water resource management and strengthen our water sector, and at the same time, promote the emergence of previously unknown uses for bamboo,” Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said.
The Negros Occidental provincial government is stepping up its efforts to address the problems that affect the state of the forest cover, fauna and flora, water security, and other environmental problems, he said.
“Bamboo is a responsive alternative to climate change, and has a remarkable growth rate, grows in a variety of conditions, absorbs greenhouse gases, needs no fertilizer, and can substitute for hardwoods, reducing the use of such, thereby protecting the remaining forests,” Lacson said.
Lacson said it is his hope that the fair will be the start of serious efforts in promoting the planting of bamboo.
“Without serious and committed intervention, the decline of the state of our environment, including that of our water security will continue to persist, and inevitably, worsen,” he said.
The fair aims to raise awareness of Negrenses on the importance and the potentials of bamboo and to encourage local producers and key industry players in the province to explore the opportunities that bamboo can offer.
Negros Occidental has a Tambara Conservation Center in Talisay City, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said.*