LUNA, Apayao – The province of Apayao threw its full weight behind regional bamboo development during the recently concluded CARASUC (Cordillera Association of State Universities and Colleges) Regional Meeting and Planning Session, hosted by Apayao State College (ASC) from April 23 to 25.
Alongside technical talks and policy alignment, the gathering featured hands-on training in Geographic Information System (GIS) and drone mapping tools now considered essential in tracking bamboo resources across the Cordillera landscape.
Provincial Environment and Natural Resource Office-Apayao representative Forester Noralyn Piano signed the ceremonial memorandum of agreement, cementing the province’s long-term commitment to bamboo as both an ecological and economic resource.
Provincial Tourism Officer Rebecca T. Mamba, representing Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr., spoke on the province’s behalf, pointing out that sustainability is not a side project but a policy. “We support efforts that bridge conservation and livelihood. This is one of them,” she noted during her message at the event.
The regional gathering drew planners, SUC representatives, barangay leaders, and field experts to Kabugao, Santa Marcela, and Marag areas that served as training and demo sites for bamboo propagule planting and drone operations.
Barangay EKB’s own captain, Hon. Esteban Balanoy, was also present, further anchoring the event in local-level leadership. With logistical and technical assistance from provincial staff, activities went smoothly and on schedule.
ASC President Dr. John N. Cabansag later acknowledged Apayao’s instrumental role in pulling off the regional gathering. With the memorandum of agreement signing held at EKB Eco-Tourism Park, the groundwork has been laid for a homegrown bamboo industry that leans on local expertise and regional coordination.
Often framed as a frontier province, the province of Apayao is now pushing a different image, a model for community-rooted, climate-conscious development. By Diocen Tolentino
