Atienza calls for renewed appreciation for bamboo

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza has called for a renewed appreciation for the Philippine bamboo as he pointed out the value of what he called the “miracle grass.”

As the keynote speaker at the opening of the three-day National Bamboo Development Forum held at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City, Atienza pointed out that Filipinos have forgotten the countless benefits of one of the most relevant and fastest growing grasses which used to abound in the country.

 “Ang kawayan ay tila ba nalimutan na natin. Ito ay subok na matibay at hindi kayang pabagsakin basta-basta. Ang kawayan din ang isa sa pinaka-epektibong nagpapatibay ng ating lupa upang maiwasan ang pagguho. (It seems like we have forgotten the bamboo. It is a strong wood and one of the most effective ways to prevent landslides.) Its shoots can be eaten and from its wood, furniture, clothing and even soap can be made,” Atienza said.

Atienza also noted that bamboo plays a big part in our being Filipinos recalling that many houses in the country used to be made out of bamboo which could withstand strong typhoons and even earthquakes.

“Isa rin sa mga pagkakamali natin ay ang kakulangan sa pagpapahalaga sa ating pagka-Pilipino. (One of our mistakes is not giving much importance in our being Filipinos.) Bamboo is a solution to many of our problems. Definitely, the Philippines and our economy will benefit from it,” Atienza said.

He added that now is the time for us to correct our indifference to the Philippine bamboo.

“Ang kawayan ay bahagi ng yaman ng ating bayan tungo sa kaunlaran. (The bamboo is part of our country’s natural wealth towards progress.)” said Atienza.

The forum with the theme “Towards sustainable development of bamboo in the Philippines for environmental protection & livelihood generation” was attended by various non-government organizations (NGOs), the academe, government agencies and the private sector.

A prototype “Bahay Pinoy” Bamboo House was launched and a trade exhibit was opened by distinguished personalities led by First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, Atienza and Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) general manager Edgar Manda.