The Laguna provincial government emphasized the importance of the bamboo industry in promoting livelihood, culture, and innovation during Tuesday’s celebration of the Bamboo Day at the capitol complex in Sta. Cruz town.

Held in line with the nationwide observance of Philippine Bamboo Month, the event drew more than 200 participants from bamboo enterprises, local government units, regional government agencies, and bamboo professionals.

This year’s provincial theme of the celebration is “Laguna Bamboo: Growing with Purpose, Rooted in Resilience.”

Provincial information officer Danilo Lucas, in a statement, said Governor Sol Aragones commended local stakeholders and national agencies for strengthening the bamboo sector, highlighting the “bamboo’s importance in environmental sustainability, economic growth, and community resilience.”

“The event affirmed bamboo’s expanding role in sustainable development—ranging from ecological protection to livelihood generation—supporting Laguna’s effort to become a leader in the Philippine bamboo industry,” Lucas said.

The Laguna Province Bamboo Industry Development Council (LPBDC), with the Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), also organized a product exhibit of bamboo innovations like musical instruments, notebooks, figurines, soaps, charcoals, and artisanal items.

The DOST-FPRDI committed to providing ongoing technical assistance, research, and technology support to improve bamboo processing methods and product quality, helping local producers remain competitive in both domestic and international markets. (PNA)