MANILA – In support to the development of the Bamboo Industry, the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) and the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) have partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the 68th edition of Manila FAME.
Spearheaded by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the DTI’s export promotion arm, the upcoming Manila FAME brings a unique opportunity to the mining industry as the event spotlights the application of bamboo technologies into value-added products that bring bigger benefits to farmers, craftsmen, and furniture makers, among others.
According to PNIA President Dante R. Bravo, the industry has looked into the enormous potential of bamboo not just as tools for reforestation but also as means to strengthen local communities with a thriving economic enterprise.
The bamboo industry is estimated to be worth about $60-billion worldwide. One of the most productive and fastest growing plants on the planet, bamboo’s unique growing capacity makes it a valuable sink for carbon storage and oxygen release.
Mr. Bravo further said that the support for DTI-CITEM’s initiatives reinforces the industry’s advocacy to promote bamboo as a complement to the mining industry’s environmental programs. “Bamboo may very well be one of the ways we can heed the government’s challenge to “transform” the industry for the better. We’re optimistic about it since studies have shown that it can reduce carbon emissions, prevent erosion, and even restore denuded lands,” he added.
COMP Executive Director Ronald Recidoro is similarly positive about bamboo’s potential to lift up mining host communities. “Bamboo is fast-growing. It’s a good product that can eventually provide market access and a sustainable supply chain for our host and indigenous communities.”
“Bamboo also complements the industry mandate to be responsible miners. We have embarked on accelerated re-greening programs to increase the areas covered by trees and vegetation, and bamboo is one way we can speed up the greening process,” Mr. Recidoro added.
Moving forward, the mining industry believes that partnering with the DTI and other key agencies to further develop the bamboo industry has the potential to change the conversation about mining in the Philippines.
“Manila Fame paves the way to showcase the best in Filipino design and craftsmanship. Through this initiative, we can strengthen and innovatively develop the agro-industrial potential of bamboo and turn it into a lucrative livelihood for our Filipino host communities,” Mr. Bravo said.
The 68th edition of Manila FAME is co-presented by the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA), with the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) as event partner.
The bamboo industry showcase to be unveiled at the 68th Manila FAME will feature design-forward home and lifestyle products using smart bamboo materials that were developed under DTI-Design Center of the Philippines’ design innovation program, and manufactured in partnership with the Pampanga Furniture Industry Foundation.