PUGO, La Union - “Bamboo is a high value crop, therefore, kailangan natin itong i-disseminate para maging aware ang mga tao. It is a potential livelihood for the people. Let us discourage those people na nagpuputol ng kahoy para gawing uling dahil ang kahoy pag pinutol, di na tutubo. Ang kawayan, pag pinutol at ginawang uling, ay may kapalit agad. Hindi pa ito mahirap alagaan,” Mr. Edgardo Manda, President of the Philippine Bamboo Foundation Inc., said during the Free Seminar on Bamboo Business Opportunities held on August 30, 2019 at Brgy. Ambalite, Pugo, La Union.

The free seminar was conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center I (ATI-RTC I) in partnership with the Center for Bamboo Development Inc. A total of 25 farmers and agri-enthusiasts participated in the seminar and learned how bamboo can be helpful and useful in their daily lives.

Mr. Manda, who served as the resource person and speaker during the seminar, discussed the Ecological Functions of Bamboo, Global Trade in Bamboo Products, Market Opportunities and Other Opportunities in Bamboo Development, Bamboo Eco-Tourism, TESDA Bamboo Skills Training Standards and Funding Assistance.

The Samahang Itinataguyod ang Kaunlaran ng Agri-Turismo sa Rehiyon Uno, Inc. (1 SIKAT), led by Ms. Lea Astrude Santiago, together with other learning site and school for practical agriculture cooperators also extended support in the said activity.