Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he is optimistic that promoting and planting of bamboo will boost the efforts of the provincial government of Negros Occidental in addressing environmental problems, such as the declining forest cover, flora and fauna, and water security.
Speaking at the launching of the 1st Provincial Bamboo Fair at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City Monday, Lacson said that bamboo is a responsive alternative to climate change, because of its remarkable growth rate in variety of conditions; it absorbs greenhouse gases, and needs no fertilizer.
Bamboo, he said, does well in protecting the remaining forests in the province.
He added that the launching of the 1st Provincial Bamboo Fair “is a 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 of bamboo.”
“It is my hope that this activity will be the start of our serious efforts in promoting the planting of bamboo, and will remind us, yet again, that 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,” Lacson said.
The local bamboo industry in Negros Occidental gets a much-needed boost with the support of the provincial government by putting up a bamboo processing facility at the 1.6-hectare Biodiversity Conservation and Nature Tourism Center in Talisay City.
Provincial Administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, said that Capitol has allotted an initial P9 million for the construction of a multi-purpose building.
A bamboo treatment facility and a three-storey watchtower will also be constructed at the site, he added.
Diaz said a laboratory will be put up for scientists to study the surrounding flora and fauna.
A 10-room tourist facility will also be constructed, which will have a camp site for guests, he said.
All structures will be made of bamboo, Diaz said.
Another site of the agro-forestry program of the province is a 100-hectare area located near the Gawahon Eco-park in Victorias City but is under the jurisdiction of neighboring EB Magalona.
It will be converted into a conservation center and agro-forestry project of the province with the help of the EB Magalona Environment and Natural Resources Office, Diaz said./GB
