Duterte declares September as ‘Philippine Bamboo Month’

FILE PHOTO: Environment officials inspect the bamboos planted along the banks of Cagayan River over the weekend. —DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte has declared the month of September every year as the “Philippine Bamboo Month.”

Proclamation No. 1401 , which Duterte signed on June 27, aims to “instill national consciousness” among the public on the importance of bamboo as a material in producing goods.

Under the proclamation, which copy was released to the media on Tuesday, Duterte directed all national government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, local government units, non-government organizations, civil society groups, and the private sector to promote the programs to support the celebration of the Philippine Bamboo Month.

“There is a need to instill in the national consciousness of the Filipino people the importance of bamboo plants and their products,” he said.

The proclamation cited Executive Order No. 879, establishing the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC). Executive Order No. 879 was signed in 2010 by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The PBIDC is created to promote development and enhancements of bamboo’s access in the market. Duterte directed the PBIDC to lead the observance of the Philippine Bamboo Month, and identify the programs, projects, and activities concerning the celebration.

Bamboo is included in the Department of Trade and Industry’s eight priority clusters alongside coffee, cacao, coco coir, fruits and nuts, gifts, decors, and wearables, noted Proclamation No. 1401. — Nicole Faye Agcaoili, INQUIRER.net trainee

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