Bamboo Wellness Products under the umbrella of the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) were introduced for the first time in Negros Occidental, specifically in the Third District, where the provincial government and the local government units, facilitated by Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez paved the way for the conduct of the Technology Demonstration for Bamboo Hand Soap Making at the Organic Village Training Center at the Panaad Park in Bacolod City on Monday, December 6.
Benitez welcomed the 20 pilot partner-beneficiaries from Barangay Canlusong in E. B. Magalona and Barangay Canlandog in Murcia and stressed the impact of the project to social integration and economic opportunity especially during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, a press release said.
He urged the upland farmers to make good use of the skills provided them, seriously consider the viability of the livelihood venture and share the knowledge with family and the community.
Benitez cited the invaluable support and assistance of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) that funded the Bamboo Wellness Products developed by FPRDI experts, Department of Science and Technology, Provincial Agriculture Office, Provincial Environment Management Office and the local government units of the Third District.
Participants were representatives of the Canlandog Pilot Agro-Forestry Farmers Association and the Canlusong Integrated Social Forestry Farmers Association.
Also present were Darlene May Casiano, president and program coordinator of the Negros Island Bambo Network,Inc. , ReedaBantug of Lake Bantug Ranch, and Greg Flores of Filipiniana Tours.
Dr. Jennifer Tamayo, FPRDI project leader, led the team that conducted the technology demonstration and sensory and product acceptability tests.*