BANGUED, Abra – Acting Gov. Russel Bragas raised alarm over the rapid deterioration of bamboo forests in the different parts of the province that is now affecting the supply of raw materials for bamboo products being manufactured or fabricated in the province which contributes to the increased economic activities of the people in the bamboo-producing towns.
Bragas admitted there has been an evident decline in the hectarage of bamboo forests provincewide compared to 10 to 15 years ago when there was abundance of raw materials that were used for the manufacture of bamboo products.
He claimed that initial talks are now underway with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and concerned stakeholders for the possible revival of the bamboo forest program previously initiated by former Gov. Eustaquio Bersamin which was not pursued by leaders who succeeded him as the province’s local chief executive.
The acting governor stated that unregulated bamboo harvesting, aggravated by the frequent occurrence of forest fires, is a major factor in the rapid deterioration of bamboo plantations that had been thriving in the different municipalities more than a decade ago.
Abra was the major source of bamboo raw materials and bamboo products in the country that made the production of bamboo a lucrative industry in the province.
Bragas assured concerned stakeholders that the provincial government will do its best to start the revival of the province’s bamboo industry aside from working on the possible regulations on bamboo harvesting to allow the grass to thrive until it reaches its maximum marketable potential.
According to him, the current limited supply of bamboo raw materials also caused its price to significantly increase thus making bamboo products more expensive.
Abra recently showcased bamboo products and bamboo-inspired products during its annual Kawayan festival that drew in both residents and visitors to notice the quality of the products that were made available to them.
Bragas explained that the present batch of provincial officials will do their best to implement doable programs, projects and activities for the possible revival of the neglected bamboo industry to regain its vibrance and contribute in improving the economic activities in the future.
Further, he added that the different municipal governments have their respective initiatives that will contribute to the possible revival of the bamboo industry considering its bright potential in providing sustainable sources of livelihood and other related economic activities earning income for people apart from spurring the province’s growth and development.
Bragas emphasized that the provincial government will try its best to institute the appropriate and practical changes that people can support during his short term at the helm of the province for them to feel the presence of government attending to their needs without fear or favor aside from instituting transparency in the conduct of public service activities. By Dexter A. See
