BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Kalinga State University (KSU) trained representatives from four municipalities in Kalinga on bamboo processing and product development to help create community livelihood opportunities from the sustainable use of the resource.
The five-day Training on Bamboo Processing and Product Development for Livelihood Enhancement was held from September 14 to 18 with participants from Rizal, Tanudan, Pinukpuk and Tabuk City.
The activity was conducted under KSU’s Bamboo Industry Development Project through the initiative “Bamboo Industry Development for Environment Conservation and Countryside Post-Covid Economic Boom.”
Project leader Victorino D. Bayed said the training was designed to equip participants with skills in proper bamboo harvesting, processing and product development while helping them recognize bamboo’s potential as a sustainable livelihood resource.
“Through proper utilization and value addition, bamboo can create economic opportunities for communities while supporting environmental conservation,” Bayed said.
Participants were given hands-on instruction in selecting, harvesting and preparing bamboo for weaving, with emphasis on raw-material quality needed to produce durable and high-quality products.
KSU’s bamboo industry development efforts cover several species found in the province including giant bamboo, bayog, killing, tinik and yellow-striated bamboo, with killing and giant bamboo reported among the most abundant.
The university has identified furniture, flooring, textiles, handicrafts and engineered bamboo products as potential value-added applications while also supporting bamboo propagation through the development of planting materials and nurseries.
KSU College of Forestry Dean Robert A. Rodolfo said practical training in bamboo production and utilization can contribute to environmental conservation, livelihood development and community empowerment. **JDP/RGA – PIA CAR with reports from KSU
